Paraluman (2021) Movie Review: A Missed Opportunity with Lacking Chemistry
Paraluman, directed by Yam Laranas, is a 2021 Filipino film that explores the complexities of an age-gap romance. The story centers on an 18-year-old girl who falls deeply in love with a man who is already committed. Despite the film’s intriguing premise, it fails to deliver a compelling narrative or emotional depth.
Plot Summary
The film follows Rhen Escaño’s character, a young woman infatuated with Jao Mapa’s already-attached character. Her intense feelings are driven by superficial reasons—a smile, a talent for singing, and photography skills—which are only briefly mentioned in the narration. The film struggles to provide a convincing backstory for this infatuation, leaving viewers questioning the protagonist’s motivations and the overall plot.
Performance and Characters
- Rhen Escaño portrays the lovesick teenager with a charm that can’t fully compensate for the film’s lackluster development. Her performance is noted for its peculiar charm but fails to evoke genuine emotion.
- Jao Mapa lacks the energy and appeal needed to make his character engaging. His portrayal falls flat, missing the necessary depth to justify the romantic interest.
- Gwen Garci and Melvin Lee deliver commendable performances, with Garci being particularly entertaining and Lee effective in his role. However, their efforts are overshadowed by the central characters’ lack of chemistry.
Technical Aspects
- Direction: Yam Laranas attempts to explore themes of infatuation and betrayal but falls short in delivering a coherent and engaging story. The film’s narrative is weak and relies too heavily on visual appeal rather than substantial content.
- Cinematography: The film features beautiful cinematography that captures the essence of the visuals but fails to mask the shortcomings of the plot. The focus on aesthetics does not compensate for the lack of emotional depth.
- Soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack, including the titular song “Paraluman” by Adie, is used ineffectively. The song’s potential is wasted, and it does not enhance the film’s narrative or emotional impact.
Critique
Paraluman attempts to present a romantic narrative but ultimately fails due to its shallow storytelling and lack of genuine chemistry between the leads. The film’s focus on physical attraction and superficial reasons for love undermines its potential. The attempted emotional depth falls flat, and the film’s ending fails to redeem its earlier shortcomings.
The movie’s reliance on aesthetics and a well-known soundtrack does not compensate for its narrative deficiencies. Instead of creating a compelling story, Paraluman presents a disjointed and unsatisfying experience that leaves viewers disconnected from the characters and their journey.
Where to Watch
Paraluman was released on September 24, 2021, and is available for streaming on Vivamax. For those interested in watching the film, Vivamax provides the primary platform for accessing this Filipino movie.
Conclusion
Paraluman is a film with a promising premise that ultimately fails to deliver. Its lack of emotional resonance, coupled with unconvincing performances and a superficial plot, results in a disappointing viewing experience. The film’s beautiful cinematography and soundtrack are not enough to redeem its overall execution.
