Bela Luna (2023) Movie Review
Directed by: Mac Alejandre
Cast: Angeli Khang, Kiko Estrada, Mark Anthony Fernandez
Presented by: Viva Films
Release Date: January 27, 2023 (via Vivamax)
Bela Luna (2023), directed by Mac Alejandre, is a film that tries to break away from the typical Vivamax formula, offering a narrative that is more introspective and layered than what audiences have come to expect from the platform. However, despite its ambitious premise, the film struggles with weak character development, inconsistent storytelling, and a lack of cohesive vision.
Plot Overview
The story centers around four main characters: Bela, a writer; Luna, a teacher; a director; and a holdaper (a street robber). Each of these characters is meant to represent a different aspect of society and creativity, yet the film fails to provide any substantial backstory or depth to them. Bela, who is a writer, seems to lack creativity; Luna, a teacher, has no classes to teach; the director appears to have no vision; and the holdaper lacks any real plan or purpose. This lack of character development leaves the audience disconnected from their stories, making it difficult to care about their journeys or struggles.
The movie attempts to explore themes of self-reflection and the challenges of life, with Bela and Luna supposedly helping each other navigate their personal dilemmas. However, the execution falls flat, as the characters remain poorly defined and their interactions seem forced and superficial. Instead of delving into the complexities of their lives, the film opts for a more surface-level approach, which ultimately weakens the impact of its narrative.
Performance and Characterization
Angeli Khang plays a dual role in the film, attempting to bring distinct personalities to each character. While her performance shows potential, it is heavily reliant on her physical appearance and wardrobe to differentiate the roles. The lack of nuanced acting makes it difficult to fully appreciate her range as an actress, and the film does little to explore the depths of her characters.
Kiko Estrada and Mark Anthony Fernandez, who also star in the film, deliver performances that are serviceable but unremarkable. Their characters are written in a way that leaves little room for exploration, making their roles feel more like placeholders rather than integral parts of the story. The absence of meaningful dialogue and character arcs further contributes to the film’s overall sense of disconnection.
Cinematography and Music
The film’s visual style is one of its more redeeming qualities, with decent cinematography that captures the mood and tone of the scenes. However, this is often undermined by the soundtrack, which feels out of place and mismatched with the film’s atmosphere. The songs chosen do not complement the emotional weight of the scenes, leading to a disjointed viewing experience where the music detracts from rather than enhances the story.
The flow of the movie is also problematic, with an anti-climactic progression that lacks a clear climax or resolution. The narrative meanders, leading to scenes that feel disconnected and purposeless. The most shocking moment in the film—seeing Julio Diaz naked—is a jarring inclusion that feels more like a desperate attempt to grab attention rather than a meaningful addition to the plot.
Themes and Execution
Bela Luna tries to set itself apart from typical Vivamax offerings by addressing more liberated and unconventional topics. The conversations and themes explored in the film are bold and challenge the usual content associated with the platform. However, the film falls short in execution, with a story that feels undercooked and a production that lacks polish.
The film’s attempt to critique itself and the Vivamax brand is interesting but ultimately fails to deliver a coherent message. While the film is brave in its approach, it lacks the substance and finesse needed to make a lasting impact. The story feels incomplete, and the production quality does not live up to the potential of the narrative.
Where to Watch
For those interested in seeing a different side of Vivamax content, Bela Luna offers a glimpse into a more experimental approach. However, viewers looking for a well-crafted and engaging story may find themselves disappointed. The film is available for streaming on Vivamax, where it joins the ranks of other titles that, while daring, may not leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
Bela Luna (2023) is a film that tries to push boundaries and explore new territory for Vivamax, but it ultimately falls short due to weak storytelling and underdeveloped characters. While it shows moments of promise and a willingness to challenge the status quo, it lacks the depth and execution needed to fully realize its ambitions.
