Watch “Salome” Online: A Review of the Sinag Maynila 2024 Film
Written & Directed by: Gutierrez Mangansakan II
Sinag Maynila 2024 Official Selection
Introduction: A Tale of Mystery that Fizzles Out
Salome (2024), directed by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, presents itself as a mysterious, slow-burn drama set in the 19th century. The film follows the story of a woman named Salome, whose life and identity have been enshrouded in myth and legend, leading to her becoming the central figure of a cult that divides a community. While the premise holds promise, the film ultimately falls short of delivering a satisfying experience, leaving viewers with more frustration than intrigue.
Plot Summary: Unraveling the Legend of Salome
At its core, Salome is about a town’s obsession with a woman named Salome, a figure cloaked in both mystery and myth. The townspeople, like detectives piecing together a puzzle, attempt to uncover the truth behind her enigmatic persona. However, as the film progresses, the pacing becomes unbearably slow, and what little the audience learns about Salome is revealed in drawn-out scenes that fail to engage.
Film Themes and Critique: A Struggle to Maintain Interest
One of the key issues with Salome is its reliance on the mystery of its titular character without providing sufficient substance to maintain viewer interest. The first half of the film drags, with long, uneventful scenes that contribute very little to the overall narrative. By the time the film finally begins to reveal Salome’s secrets, it’s too late—viewers have already distanced themselves emotionally from the story.
Perry Dizon, who plays a key role in the film, does his best to carry the weight of the slow, meandering script. His performance stands out, but the weak material leaves even a talented actor like Dizon with little to work with. The dialogue feels stilted, and many of the supporting characters deliver lines devoid of any real emotion, as if they are simply reading from a script rather than inhabiting their roles.
Technical Aspects: Beautiful but Empty
Visually, Salome has moments of beauty, with the cinematography capturing the rural 19th-century setting in a way that feels authentic. However, the pacing of each scene is so slow that any visual appeal is overshadowed by the lethargy of the plot. The color palette and lighting help set the mood, but the film’s overall impact is lost due to the lack of narrative momentum.
Performances: Wasted Potential
Perry Dizon, Dolly de Leon, and Tommy Alejandrino lead the cast, with Dizon delivering the strongest performance. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, the film’s sluggish pace and lack of emotional depth leave little room for the actors to shine. Dolly de Leon, another standout talent, is underutilized, with her character feeling one-dimensional and disconnected from the story’s central conflict.
Where to Watch: Current Theatrical Screenings and Future Streaming Availability
As part of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, Salome is currently screening in select theaters from September 4-10, 2024. You can catch the film at the following venues:
- Gateway Cinemas (NCR)
- SM Cinemas (NCR)
- Robinsons Manila & Galleria
- Market Market
For those unable to attend the theatrical screenings, Salome is expected to become available on streaming platforms in the coming months. Based on current trends, here are some likely platforms where the film may be available for streaming or purchase:
- Netflix: As Netflix has been expanding its collection of international films, Salome might find a place in their catalog, especially given its unique cultural and historical themes.
- Amazon Prime Video: Prime Video often hosts festival films for rent or streaming, making it a probable destination for Salome.
- Apple TV: This platform could offer the film for rent or purchase shortly after its festival run.
- Hulu: Known for a wide range of indie and festival films, Hulu is another possible platform for Salome to be streamed.
Be sure to check these services for updates on when Salome becomes available online.
Conclusion: A Beautifully Shot Film with Little Emotional Payoff
Salome is a film that teases viewers with the promise of mystery but fails to deliver a satisfying payoff. While Perry Dizon’s performance is commendable, the film’s glacial pacing and lack of character development make it a frustrating watch. Despite the intriguing premise and potential for depth, the film ultimately falls flat.
Stay Tuned for Streaming Updates
After the film’s limited theatrical release, keep an eye on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV for the opportunity to watch Salome online.
