Vivamax, the streaming giant of the Philippines, takes another bold step with its 2024 film Unang Tikim, which translates to “First Taste” in Tagalog. While the title might hint at something sensual, the movie offers more than meets the eye, mixing romance, tension, and drama. Directed by Roman Perez Jr., Unang Tikim follows the story of Yuna and Becca, exploring love, jealousy, and betrayal. However, does it manage to succeed as a film, or does it fumble in its execution? Let’s dive deeper.
The Plot and Themes
Unang Tikim revolves around Yuna (Angeli Khang) and Becca (Robb Guinto), two women whose passionate relationship begins to unravel due to jealousy, insecurities, and past trauma. The movie opens by highlighting their fiery chemistry—marked by frequent fights and intense makeup sessions, which quickly becomes a recurring theme. Unfortunately, this aspect of their relationship, central to the film’s premise, is not fully explored, leaving viewers longing for more substance.
The narrative then shifts towards jealousy, as Becca grows suspicious of Yuna’s time spent with others, further complicating their already fragile bond. This emotional conflict, however, feels underdeveloped and superficial. Much of the jealousy stems from misunderstandings and uncommunicated emotions, which can be frustrating to watch.
Despite the simplicity of the plot, Unang Tikim tries to balance romantic tension with love scenes, an element that Vivamax has built its brand around. The question remains: Does the film succeed in presenting a coherent story while maintaining its sensual elements?
The Execution: A Messy Attempt
While the film touches on universal themes like love, jealousy, and betrayal, its execution leaves much to be desired. The pacing is inconsistent, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on unnecessarily. There’s a sense that the movie struggles to find a balance between being a romance and being an erotic film.
In terms of storytelling, the film is at times incoherent, with scenes feeling disjointed and some plot points going unexplained. For instance, there’s a moment where Becca’s character makes an accusation that contradicts earlier scenes, leaving viewers puzzled. Such inconsistencies create a sense of detachment from the narrative, making it harder to emotionally invest in the characters.
Acting: Chemistry and Awkwardness
One of the film’s redeeming qualities is the strong chemistry between Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto. Khang shines in her role, effectively portraying a character caught between love and self-doubt. Her nuanced performance adds depth to an otherwise flat script. Guinto, while holding her own in most scenes, does have moments where her acting feels a bit stiff, especially during emotional confrontations.
On the downside, Matt Daclan’s portrayal of a supporting character feels awkward at times. His delivery is unconvincing in several key moments, which disrupts the flow of the film. Given that Unang Tikim is meant to be emotionally charged, such moments of awkwardness take away from the tension the movie aims to build.
Cinematography and Visuals: A Mixed Bag
Visually, Unang Tikim falls short of expectations, especially considering its theatrical release. While the cinematography is clean, it lacks creativity. Many scenes are shot in typical, predictable angles, and the film fails to experiment with lighting or framing that could elevate its emotional depth.
However, the film does have its moments, particularly in the more intimate scenes between Yuna and Becca. The camera work here feels more deliberate, highlighting the physical closeness of the characters, though it often leans into the sexualized gaze. This approach is not uncommon for Vivamax films, but it detracts from the emotional nuances of the relationship.
The Soundtrack: A Highlight
One aspect where Unang Tikim truly excels is in its music. The theme song “Takipsilim” stands out, beautifully complementing the film’s emotional undertones. It captures the bittersweet moments between Yuna and Becca, adding an extra layer of depth to the movie.
A Tamer Vivamax Film
One of the most notable criticisms of Unang Tikim is its decision to tone down the erotic content, particularly in its R16 version. For a Vivamax film, this comes as a surprise, given that the platform is known for pushing boundaries in its erotic scenes. While some may appreciate the attempt at creating a more mainstream film, the toned-down nature of the scenes doesn’t quite align with the film’s identity.
In the R18 version, viewers can expect a more typical Vivamax experience, but even then, it feels tamer than other films from the platform. This may be a deliberate choice as Vivamax tries to find a balance between its streaming content and theatrical releases, but the result feels underwhelming. The sensual scenes don’t move the plot forward, instead feeling like mere filler, which detracts from the overall story.
The Ending: Unconventional Yet Satisfying
Where Unang Tikim stands out is in its ending. Unlike typical romance films, the movie opts for an unconventional conclusion that doesn’t wrap everything up neatly. This decision adds a refreshing layer of realism, highlighting the complexities of relationships. Life doesn’t always provide closure, and Unang Tikim captures that uncertainty well.
However, the build-up to this ending feels uneven, making it difficult to fully appreciate the emotional impact. The lack of strong character development throughout the film means that by the time the ending arrives, it doesn’t resonate as deeply as it could have.
Conclusion: A Flawed But Ambitious Attempt
Unang Tikim is an ambitious film that tries to balance love, jealousy, and sensuality, but ultimately falls short due to inconsistent execution and weak storytelling. While the performances of Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto provide some redeeming moments, the film struggles to maintain a coherent narrative.
Vivamax’s attempt to create a more mainstream movie might not have paid off entirely, but it’s clear that they are trying to push the boundaries of their typical content. With better pacing, tighter scriptwriting, and more attention to character development, Unang Tikim could have been a memorable entry in Vivamax’s lineup. As it stands, it’s an uneven film that may leave some viewers unsatisfied.
Where to Watch Unang Tikim (2024)
For those interested in watching Unang Tikim, the film is available for streaming on Vivamax. You can also keep an eye out for its Director’s Cut, which may offer a more unfiltered version of the movie. For a detailed review and streaming options, you can visit this link.
