Paupahan (2023) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Paupahan” (2023), directed by Louie Ignacio and produced by Vivamax, is another addition to the streaming service’s growing list of erotic thrillers. The film tries to blend suspense, drama, and erotica, but unfortunately, it falls short on almost every level. Released on April 8, 2023, “Paupahan” tells the story of a struggling model who finds himself entangled in a twisted and voyeuristic world, all while living in a rundown apartment managed by a mysterious landlady. Despite its intriguing premise, the movie fails to deliver a compelling narrative, and its execution leaves much to be desired.
Plot Summary
The film follows Nico Catapang (Jiad Arroyo), an aspiring model who is trying to make it in the competitive industry of showbiz. Nico’s girlfriend, Katherine (Robb Guinto), is a nurse working in Canada, and she urges him to move abroad for better opportunities. However, Nico is determined to stay in the Philippines to pursue his dream, despite the numerous rejections he faces at auditions.
In his quest to stay close to his modeling agency, Nico rents a room in a dilapidated apartment managed by Analyn Salvacion (Tiffany Grey), a peculiar woman who lives with her quadriplegic grandmother, Esther (Odette Khan). Unbeknownst to Nico, Analyn is far from the ordinary landlady she appears to be. The apartment is rigged with two-way mirrors, and Analyn spends her nights spying on her tenants, particularly Nico, who has become her latest obsession.
As Nico becomes more involved with Analyn, he begins to uncover the dark secrets that lie within the walls of the apartment. The film tries to build suspense as it delves into Analyn’s disturbing past, which includes themes of sexual trauma and mental illness. However, instead of crafting a psychological thriller that grips the audience, “Paupahan” quickly devolves into a predictable and uninspired narrative.
Performances and Direction
The performances in “Paupahan” are largely lackluster. Jiad Arroyo as Nico delivers a wooden performance, making it difficult for the audience to connect with his character. His portrayal lacks the depth and emotional range needed to carry the film, and his interactions with the other characters feel forced and unnatural. Robb Guinto, who plays his girlfriend Katherine, has limited screen time and does little to elevate the story.
Tiffany Grey as Analyn, the film’s antagonist, fails to bring the necessary menace or complexity to her role. Her character is written as a one-dimensional villain, and Grey’s portrayal does little to make Analyn more engaging or believable. The dialogue, compounded by poor dubbing, further hampers the actors’ ability to deliver convincing performances.
The only saving grace in the acting department is Odette Khan, who plays Esther, Analyn’s bedridden grandmother. Despite being confined to a bed for most of the film and given minimal dialogue, Khan manages to convey a range of emotions through her facial expressions and subtle gestures. Her presence on screen is commanding, and she outshines the rest of the cast with ease.
Louie Ignacio’s direction is one of the film’s biggest weaknesses. The pacing is sluggish, and the film’s tone is inconsistent, wavering between a serious thriller and an unintentional comedy. Ignacio’s approach to the material is overly serious, which strips the film of any potential for campy fun or suspense. The result is a film that feels lifeless and devoid of any real tension.
Script and Themes
The script, written by Quinn Carillo, is poorly structured and fails to capitalize on the film’s central premise. The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, making it difficult for the actors to deliver convincing performances. The film’s attempt to incorporate themes of sexual trauma and mental illness comes across as shallow and exploitative, rather than a meaningful exploration of these issues.
“Paupahan” also borrows heavily from other films in the genre, such as the 2019 thriller “Room for Rent” and the 2005 Filipino film “Boso.” However, instead of paying homage or offering a fresh take, it merely rehashes tired clichés without adding anything new to the narrative.
The film’s handling of erotic content is another misstep. Rather than using sexuality to explore character dynamics or enhance the story, the film relies on gratuitous sex scenes that feel forced and out of place. These scenes do little to advance the plot and instead serve as mere filler, catering to the male gaze without offering any substantial commentary.
Cinematography and Technical Aspects
The technical aspects of “Paupahan” are equally disappointing. The cinematography is uninspired, with bland visuals that do nothing to create a sense of atmosphere or tension. The use of two-way mirrors, a central element of the film’s plot, is not utilized effectively to build suspense or intrigue. Instead, these scenes feel more voyeuristic and uncomfortable than thrilling.
The editing is choppy, and the transitions between scenes are awkward and abrupt. The film’s score is forgettable, doing little to enhance the mood or tone of the film. Additionally, the poor audio dubbing detracts from the overall viewing experience, making the dialogue sound unnatural and distracting.
Where to Watch “Paupahan” Online
“Paupahan” is available for streaming exclusively on Vivamax, a service known for its adult-oriented content. Vivamax can be accessed via subscription, and viewers in the United States may need to use a VPN service to bypass regional restrictions.
For those who prefer to rent or purchase the film, it may become available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, or Apple iTunes. However, given the film’s lackluster reception, it might not be worth the time or money unless you are a fan of Vivamax’s specific brand of films.
Conclusion
“Paupahan” (2023) is a film that squanders its potential with poor direction, weak performances, and a lackluster script. What could have been an engaging erotic thriller instead becomes a forgettable and uninspired entry in the Vivamax catalog. The film’s mishandling of its central themes and reliance on tired clichés make it a difficult watch, even for fans of the genre.
For viewers looking for quality content, “Paupahan” is a film best avoided. While it may have some appeal for those who enjoy Vivamax’s particular style of storytelling, it offers little in terms of substance or entertainment. If you do choose to watch it, make sure to do so through legitimate channels to support the creators and the industry. However, this is one movie you might want to skip in favor of something more rewarding.
