[REVIEW] Kau vs Aku Episode 4: Where in the World is Ocean?

The cheesiness of Aulia’s love life oozes out in yet another episode of ‘Kau vs Aku’, the adaptation of Shieyruna’s Wattpad novel on Sooka. After episode 3 concluded intensely, episode 4 pulled the brakes on the pacing of Aulia-Danish and explored a few other existing storylines.

SPOILER ALERT

The fourth episode generally felt different from the previous three, mainly due to the change of directors. Shamyl Othman passed the mantle to Megat Shahrizal, who also plays Ustaz Burn in the series, possibly with the intention of diversifying their storytelling DNA in the series.

Instead of Aulia, the limelight falls onto her favourite furry friend, Ocean. Later in the episode, it was revealed that Ocean was a gift from her late Grandmother - a posthumous gift after her passing. In this most stereotypical ‘oyen’ manner, Ocean went missing one morning and had Aulia searching for him around the house.

At the same time, Aulia was forced to deal with Emir, the man of her father’s choice, who also happens to be her second cousin. Frankly, seeing a grown man like Emir prying on a 16-year-old student was nothing short of disgusting - but unfortunately, such pursuits are considered normal in our society. Hence, the director’s decision to highlight such an issue is vital, especially when the viewers are mostly young Gen Zs.

I also admired the dialogue between Aulia and her friends in dealing with Emir’s predatorial behaviour. That scene is important, not just as a passing moment, but as an educational one for the viewers. It’s not every day you get to see creators allowing their young female characters discuss, digest and empower each other in times of crisis, right?

The episode reached its climax when Emir (yes, it had to be him) accidentally killed Ocean, Aulia’s pet cat. The director then cleverly took this opportunity to portray a multilayered form of grief. Aulia grieves for Ocean, her loyal friend and the death of her grandmother as well, the one who gifted Ocean in the first place.

Episode 4 is now up on Sooka. Check it out right here.

This series is in collaboration with PUBG Mobile.