Movie No. 51 (2018): ANG BABAENG ALLERGIC SA WIFI
Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa Wifi (2018)
Director: Jun Lana
Cast: Sue Ramirez, Jameson Blake, Markus Paterson, Boots Anson-Roa, Yayo Aguila, Kiko Matos, Angeli Nicole Sanoy
In Tagalog, with English subtitles
That Norma, having an electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome (EHS), faints and bleeds in a surroundings with wifi or any electromagnetic signals is already an interesting premise. Then, weave with it a young-love story and dynamics of friendship and family relationships. We should expect a more interesting narrative, something that we may not have seen in previous movies. This movie, indeed, meets this expectation.
Director: Jun Lana
Cast: Sue Ramirez, Jameson Blake, Markus Paterson, Boots Anson-Roa, Yayo Aguila, Kiko Matos, Angeli Nicole Sanoy
In Tagalog, with English subtitles
That Norma, having an electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome (EHS), faints and bleeds in a surroundings with wifi or any electromagnetic signals is already an interesting premise. Then, weave with it a young-love story and dynamics of friendship and family relationships. We should expect a more interesting narrative, something that we may not have seen in previous movies. This movie, indeed, meets this expectation.
The important characters are played by relatively new actors. It's really a surprise that they all do well. Sue Ramirez is tailor-fit for the role. Jameson Blake has already proven his worth as an actor, winning an acting award from CinemaOne Originals last year. Markus Paterson is unexpectedly good, too. Angeli Sanoy is scene-stealer, in a nice way. Kudos, too, to Boots Anson-Roa and Yayo Aguila. It's easy to know the characters well, which is important to understand their actions and reactions.
The script is on point, loud and clear. It explores youth of today in the midst of disruptive technologies, and what happens when such are taken away, even temporarily. The movie suggests how such technologies or the absence of them affect relationships - friendship, romantic, family. The affliction that gets into Norma is a metaphor for a reminder that disruptive technologies that may either ruin or strengthen relationships. There is also a direct attack on trollism and spreading fake news as a negative consequence of internet technology. I think it's intentional to name the character who spreads fake news Margaux (Mocha Uson's real first name), who later tastes a doze of her own medicine.
Of course, the movie is far from perfect. I like it anyway. It is visually pleasing, with its candy-colored cinematography, which blends well with that lazy music on the background.
Rating: 3.0/4.0
Date seen: August 17, 2018
Comments