Unang Tikim (2024) Movie Review: A Tale of Love, Conflict, and Missed Potential
“Unang Tikim” (2024) is a Filipino drama directed by Roman Perez Jr., marking the first theatrical release of a Vivamax original movie. The film stars Angeli Khang, Robb Guinto, and Matthew Francisco and navigates the complex emotions of Yuna, a woman torn between her long-time boyfriend, Nicco, and her first love, Becca. As Yuna struggles with her feelings, she is forced to confront her past and present relationships, leading to a story filled with emotional turmoil and difficult choices.
Plot Overview
The film centers on Yuna, who is happily engaged to Nicco, her partner of many years. However, her world is turned upside down when she crosses paths with Becca, her first love from years ago. This unexpected reunion reignites old feelings and leaves Yuna questioning her current relationship. She finds herself caught between the stability and love she has with Nicco and the intense, unresolved emotions she feels for Becca. This internal conflict drives the narrative, leading to a series of difficult decisions and personal revelations.
Strengths
One of the standout features of “Unang Tikim” is its music. The film features two original songs that perfectly align with the movie’s themes, enhancing the emotional depth and atmosphere of the story. These tracks not only serve as a backdrop to the narrative but also help to underscore the emotional journeys of the characters, particularly Yuna.
The performances by Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto are also notable. Both actresses deliver strong portrayals of their characters, with Khang, in particular, standing out during the film’s more intense moments. The chemistry between Khang and Guinto is palpable, adding authenticity to their on-screen relationship and making their emotional connection believable. Their dedication to their roles is evident, and they manage to carry the film even during its weaker moments.
Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, “Unang Tikim” has several notable flaws. The dialogue often feels stilted and unrealistic, with many lines serving as unnecessary fillers that detract from the overall narrative. This issue is compounded by the fact that some of the conflicts introduced in the film are not fully explored or resolved by the end. These unresolved storylines leave viewers with a sense of incompletion and missed opportunities, reducing the impact of the film’s emotional arcs.
The mature scenes in “Unang Tikim,” while present, rarely serve to advance the story or deepen the characters’ relationships. Instead, they feel more like obligatory inclusions rather than integral parts of the narrative. This is particularly disappointing given the potential for these scenes to explore the complexities of Yuna’s relationships in a more meaningful way.
Opportunities
The film could have been more impactful had it focused on resolving the conflicts that were introduced but left hanging. Addressing these issues would have added depth and complexity to the story, making it more engaging and emotionally resonant. Additionally, refining the dialogue to be more natural and relevant to the plot would have significantly improved the overall narrative flow and audience engagement.
Treats
The performances of Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto are a highlight of “Unang Tikim.” Both actresses clearly invested a great deal of effort into their roles, and this dedication shines through in their performances. Their on-screen chemistry is one of the film’s most compelling aspects, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of Filipino cinema and those interested in stories centered on complex romantic dynamics.
Audience Reception: Mixed Reactions
“Unang Tikim” has received a range of reactions from audiences, reflecting its polarizing nature. Some viewers, like Pepogi, who rated the film ★½, criticized it for its lackluster execution and ordinary storyline. According to Pepogi, while Angeli Khang’s performance was somewhat redeeming, the overall film failed to deliver, with the dialogue even eliciting unintended laughter during serious scenes. The mature scenes, though part of the R-18 version, were considered mild compared to other Vivamax films, leading to disappointment for those expecting more intensity.
Conversely, Rey Benipayo, who rated the film ★★★★, praised “Unang Tikim” for its simplicity and focus on the love story between the two women. Benipayo commended the strong performances by Robb Guinto and Angeli Khang, noting their chemistry as a standout feature that carried the film. The cinematography was also lauded for its elegance, adding a layer of visual sophistication to the movie. For Benipayo, “Unang Tikim” is one of the best Filipino GL (Girls’ Love) movies of the year, and he eagerly anticipates the release of the R-18 version on Vivamax.
Final Thoughts
“Unang Tikim” is a film that offers a mix of strong performances and notable weaknesses. While the music and lead actresses’ performances are commendable, the film’s dialogue, unresolved conflicts, and underutilized mature scenes prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s a movie that, while not without merit, may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied with its execution.
Where to Watch “Unang Tikim” Online in the U.S.
For those interested in watching “Unang Tikim,” the film will be available on Vivamax, a Filipino streaming service, starting November 4, 2024. In the United States, Vivamax can be accessed through their website or app, offering subscription options. The movie will be available in both R-16 and R-18 versions, allowing viewers to choose their preferred version.
Conclusion
“Unang Tikim” is a film that attempts to navigate the complexities of love and relationships but ultimately falls short in its execution. It offers a glimpse into the emotional turmoil of its characters, but the lack of depth and resolution may leave viewers wanting more. Whether you choose to watch it in theaters or wait for its streaming release on Vivamax, “Unang Tikim” is a film that might be worth a watch, especially for those who appreciate strong performances and Filipino cinema.
