REVIEW: ‘Requited’ Will Test Your Endurance Watching
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| Lead cast Jake Cuenca and Anna Luna joins director Nerissa Picadizo at 'Requited's' gala premiere on August 8. |
TO be fair, “Requited”—a full-length entry at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017—had potential. Its theme was never before seen at the Cultural Center of the Philippines main theater: cycling and then finding love along the way.
Directed, written and produced by Nerissa Picadizo,
“Requited” stars actor Jake Cuena alongside newcomer Anna Luna. Cuenca portrays
Matt, a cyclist on a journey from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo via Tarlac in what
appeared to be his epilogue to life. He is, after all, suffering from
Parkinson’s Disease. Then comes Luna as Sandy, his best friend who joins him
along the way.
They had good times on the road, and they had bad times—mostly
bad times. Because despite their obvious feelings, they can’t love each other. They
have too many complications.
However, what would have been an interesting formula turned
out to be a dragging experience. And worse, it was not because of its narrative
but because of its flaws.
Although this author has not seen foreign cycling/biking films for comparison, "Requited” still felt as if there was too much cycling in it.
In the beginning, it was good to see Cuenca in action for he was a natural.
Even in pain, he was a natural. Later on, it got boring even when Matt and Sandy
entered the countryside where the surrounding was supposed to be scenic.
The fault here lies in the coloring. Viewers would have
appreciated the cinematography better if it wasn’t too saturated. (I don’t know
why but indie filmmakers these days always filter their films as if it was
Instagram.)
There’s also an issue with the audio. Dialogues,
particularly Luna’s high-pitched voice, and noises, like the pedaling, were too
loud to the point of distraction.
And perhaps, the film was dragging because it took so long
to build up—as long as the ride from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo. It has become a
test of endurance watching.
Is it worth finishing? Thankfully yes because the last 10 minutes or so is when
your emotions will be stirred. Prepare yourself.
If there’s one thing commendable about the film, it’s the
perseverance of filmmaker Picadizo who finally debuted at this year’s
Cinemalaya. She has over a decade
of extensive experience working in various film, television, events and theater
productions. Her works include “Stressful X,” “Astray,” “The Solar Champion,” and “Mga Anino sa Tanghaling Tapat.”
At her film’s gala screening on Tuesday, August 8, she told the CCP audience that “Requited” was more than just a passion project. It
was a test of faith because it took her three years—on and off—to finish.
Nevertheless, she persevered and moreover, as writer,
director and producer all at once. For this, we give her credit.
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| Jake Cuenca was a fit to his character, Matt |
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| The beautiful Anna Luna who plays Sandy, Matt's love interest |
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| The film's cast, production crew and sponsors |
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| Festival goers linger on after the screening |
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