September 6, 2024
Andres (Perry Dizon) was a middle-aged art historian who had been diagnosed to have alcoholic amnesia, rendering him a shadow of his old self. To aid his recovery, he went to stay in the mountain home of his cousin, literary translator Christine (Dolly de Leon). Since her husband Ramon passed away seven years ago, Christine lived in her house alone, with one houseboy Marlon (Tommy Alejandrino) doing the chores.
When Christine was away, Andres saw a mysterious woman walking around the grounds of the house. He followed her into the forest, and saw her wearing a baro't saya, doing embroidery while seated on the side of a creek. The woman introduced herself as the daughter of a babaylan in the village of Tamontaca during the Spanish occupation, who now went by the Christian name of Salome (Ram Botero).
This film written and directed by Gutierrez "Teng" Mangansakan II, was an unusual one. It started off as pretty mundane, even spending a lot of time detailing how Christine made her coffee every morning, or how she tried to fix a stuck printer. However, once Andres encountered Salome, the turn of events became compelling as the mystery of this woman unfolded. As Andres regained his health, so did the film become irresistibly interesting.
Perry Dizon was able to transform his Andres from a weak, mental cripple back to the vibrant, lucid intellectual he once was within the duration of this film. Dolly de Leon, as always, can make even the most humdrum text, be it about Pigafetta's journals or jigsaw puzzles, sound stimulating. Trans artist Ram Botero immediately captivates the audience with her rich deep voice. Her monologue relating Salome's story may be long, but it was riveting.
Admittedly, this talky, cerebral film may not be for everyone. There was hardly any action going on, and less-attuned viewers may quickly lose interest. However, I, for one, was caught up in its insightful conversations about art, history, and culture and their dwindling significance in the increasingly material world now. They talk about how organized Western religion has suppressed and led indigenous folk beliefs to extinction. Truly fascinating stuff. 8/10.
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