How well do we understand the situations we find ourselves in? Most of us probably think we have a pretty good handle on them much of the time. But, when a gay, middle-aged Filipino college professor (Romnick Sarmenta) meets with one of his students (Elijah Canlas) whom he hasn't seen for a while but toward whom he had shown preferential, nurturing treatment at one time, what starts out as a pleasant lunchtime reunion slowly turns into a series of troubling eye-opening revelations. Told through what seems like a seemingly innocent, somewhat innocuous conversation between the duo, writer-director Jun Robles Lana's latest opens like a latter-day version of "My Dinner with Andre" (1981) but slowly turns unexpectedly dark and sinister, shedding a whole new light on the now-surprisingly deceptive opening act. As a result, what starts out as a seemingly harmless, slightly tedious encounter becomes engrossingly captivating as the true nature of each of the characters is revealed. The picture's multilayered narrative grows ever more absorbing the further it plays out, showing us just how easily it can be for us to be deceived by circumstances, including in situations where we think we know the score but don't. It also presents viewers with an intriguing look at how we can be mirrors of one another but never recognize the similarities until they're squarely shoved in our face. (And who would have thought that watching two people eat a meal and talk could be so engaging?) "About Us But Not About Us" is a delicious little cinematic nugget that will likely leave audience members' mouths agape by picture's end, especially when looking back at how things start out and how they eventually wind up, putting a delightfully surprising spin on the film's skillful incorporation of ambiguously cynical elements whose meanings don't become fully apparent until the credits roll. Don't be quick to give up on this one; it's worth the wait to see what it delivers - and how well it does so.
3 Reviews
Acting Masterclass
karlandrewcruz21 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The film is a riveting and mind-boggling experience, characterized by its exceptional writing and incredible acting. However, what truly sets it apart is its portrayal of gay characters as complex, problematic, and unapologetically villainous.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its portrayal of gay characters. Unlike the stereotypical portrayals often seen in media, these characters are depicted as multifaceted individuals with their own flaws and motivations. They are not simply relegated to the role of the supportive friend or the comic relief; instead, they are allowed to be nasty, manipulative, and downright evil.
This portrayal of gay characters as villains is both refreshing and daring. It challenges the audience to confront their own biases and preconceptions about sexuality, forcing them to see these characters as fully realized human beings rather than one-dimensional stereotypes. It is a bold choice that pays off, adding depth and complexity to the film's narrative.
The acting in the film is also worth noting, particularly the performances of Romnick and Elijah. Their ability to seamlessly switch between themselves to portray the third character in the movie is nothing short of impressive. This technique not only helps the story unfold and unravel but also adds a layer of complexity to the characters and their relationships.
In conclusion, this film is a masterclass in storytelling and character development. Its portrayal of gay characters as complex and multi-dimensional is a welcome departure from the norm and adds a new layer of depth to the narrative. Combined with its exceptional writing and acting, this film is a must-see for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging cinematic experience.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its portrayal of gay characters. Unlike the stereotypical portrayals often seen in media, these characters are depicted as multifaceted individuals with their own flaws and motivations. They are not simply relegated to the role of the supportive friend or the comic relief; instead, they are allowed to be nasty, manipulative, and downright evil.
This portrayal of gay characters as villains is both refreshing and daring. It challenges the audience to confront their own biases and preconceptions about sexuality, forcing them to see these characters as fully realized human beings rather than one-dimensional stereotypes. It is a bold choice that pays off, adding depth and complexity to the film's narrative.
The acting in the film is also worth noting, particularly the performances of Romnick and Elijah. Their ability to seamlessly switch between themselves to portray the third character in the movie is nothing short of impressive. This technique not only helps the story unfold and unravel but also adds a layer of complexity to the characters and their relationships.
In conclusion, this film is a masterclass in storytelling and character development. Its portrayal of gay characters as complex and multi-dimensional is a welcome departure from the norm and adds a new layer of depth to the narrative. Combined with its exceptional writing and acting, this film is a must-see for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging cinematic experience.
Elijah kills it
karlandrewcruz21 April 2024
As a fan of Elijah Canlas's versatility as an actor, I was eagerly anticipating his foray into the slasher genre. Livescream does not disappoint, delivering a sickening, disturbing, and unsettling experience that is a must-watch for horror aficionados.
Despite not being a fan of slasher movies, I found myself deeply invested in this film. This speaks volumes about its quality, as it managed to captivate even someone outside its typical audience. The writing, directing, and acting are all top-notch, coming together to create a truly memorable cinematic experience.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its writing, which is both intelligent and engaging. The script is filled with clever references and nods to classic horror tropes, making it a delight for genre enthusiasts. The dialogue is sharp and witty, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.
The directing in Livescream is also worth mentioning, as it expertly builds tension and suspense throughout the film. The use of lighting, sound, and camera angles creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. The director's skillful hand is evident in every frame, making this a visually stunning and emotionally gripping film.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible acting talent on display. Elijah Canlas shines in his role, bringing a depth and complexity to his character that is truly impressive. His performance is complemented by a talented supporting cast, who all deliver strong performances that add to the film's overall impact.
In conclusion, Livescream is a must-see for horror fans and a testament to the talent of its cast and crew. It is a film that manages to be both disturbing and compelling, offering a fresh take on the slasher genre that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Despite not being a fan of slasher movies, I found myself deeply invested in this film. This speaks volumes about its quality, as it managed to captivate even someone outside its typical audience. The writing, directing, and acting are all top-notch, coming together to create a truly memorable cinematic experience.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its writing, which is both intelligent and engaging. The script is filled with clever references and nods to classic horror tropes, making it a delight for genre enthusiasts. The dialogue is sharp and witty, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.
The directing in Livescream is also worth mentioning, as it expertly builds tension and suspense throughout the film. The use of lighting, sound, and camera angles creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. The director's skillful hand is evident in every frame, making this a visually stunning and emotionally gripping film.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible acting talent on display. Elijah Canlas shines in his role, bringing a depth and complexity to his character that is truly impressive. His performance is complemented by a talented supporting cast, who all deliver strong performances that add to the film's overall impact.
In conclusion, Livescream is a must-see for horror fans and a testament to the talent of its cast and crew. It is a film that manages to be both disturbing and compelling, offering a fresh take on the slasher genre that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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