Selina’s Gold (2022) Movie Review
Directed by: Mac Alejandre
Cast: Angeli Khang, Jay Manalo, Gold Aceron, Soliman Cruz
Presented by: Viva Films
Release Date: October 28, 2022 (via Vivamax)
Selina’s Gold (2022), directed by Mac Alejandre, is a film that attempts to blend elements of historical drama with a modern commentary on societal issues, but ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. Set against the backdrop of 1942, the movie explores themes of exploitation, power dynamics, and moral ambiguity, yet it fails to fully utilize its setting or develop its characters in a meaningful way.
Plot and Character Overview
The film centers around Selina, a character who embodies multiple contradictions. She is portrayed as a sex slave with a heart of gold, yet she also takes on the role of a gold digger. This duality in her character is intended to add depth, but instead, it results in a disjointed portrayal that lacks continuity. Selina’s character shifts from one extreme to another with little to no progression, making her transformation feel abrupt and unconvincing.
Jay Manalo plays a character whose sole purpose in the film appears to be that of a predatory maniac. For nearly two hours, the audience is subjected to scenes of him abusing Selina, with little to no insight into his backstory or motivations. This one-dimensional portrayal reduces his character to a mere plot device, rather than a fully fleshed-out antagonist. The relentless depiction of abuse becomes tedious and does little to advance the story.
The film’s plot twist, though intended to be shocking, is delivered in a way that lacks impact. The revelation feels forced and does not resonate with the viewer, largely because the build-up to this moment is weak and unengaging. The twist, while potentially explosive, is undermined by the film’s inability to effectively develop the narrative leading up to it.
Historical Setting and Themes
While Selina’s Gold is set in 1942, during a time of war, the historical context is barely utilized. The film makes little effort to immerse the audience in the period, with the setting feeling more like a superficial backdrop than an integral part of the story. The year could have been any other, as the core narrative — a tale of exploitation and moral conflict — is not tied to the specific historical moment in which it is set. This lack of historical immersion is a missed opportunity, as the war setting could have provided a richer, more textured backdrop for the story’s themes.
The film touches on themes such as the power dynamics between the rich and the poor, the struggles between men and women, and the ongoing conflict between right and wrong. However, these themes are explored in a way that feels surface-level and unoriginal. The story fails to delve deeply into these issues, instead opting for a more melodramatic approach that lacks nuance. In hindsight, the film seems to comment on how little society has progressed, as the problems depicted in 1942 are still relevant today. Yet, this commentary is undermined by the film’s lack of depth and its reliance on clichés.
Performance and Execution
The performances in Selina’s Gold are uneven, largely due to the weak script and poorly developed characters. Angeli Khang, in the role of Selina, tries to bring complexity to her character, but the script does not provide her with the material needed to fully explore Selina’s motivations or inner conflicts. Her character’s sudden shifts in behavior are not adequately explained, making her performance feel disjointed.
Jay Manalo’s portrayal of the antagonist is similarly hampered by the lack of character development. His character is defined solely by his abusive actions, with no exploration of his psychological state or backstory. This reductionist approach to his character makes his performance feel flat and uninspired.
The supporting cast, including Gold Aceron and Soliman Cruz, do their best with the roles they are given, but they are ultimately overshadowed by the film’s focus on its more sensational elements. The lack of meaningful dialogue and character interactions further detracts from the overall performances.
Cinematography and Atmosphere
Visually, the film does little to stand out. The cinematography is serviceable but lacks the artistry that could have elevated the story. The war setting, which could have provided a rich visual landscape, is underutilized, with the film’s atmosphere feeling more like a generic period piece than a vivid portrayal of a specific time and place.
The film’s pacing is another issue, as the narrative drags in places, particularly during the repetitive scenes of abuse. The lack of narrative momentum makes the film feel longer than its runtime, and the moments that are meant to be climactic or shocking fall flat due to poor execution.
Where to Watch
For those who are curious about the latest offerings from Vivamax, Selina’s Gold is available for streaming on the platform. However, viewers looking for a film with depth, creativity, or a strong narrative will likely come away disappointed. The film, much like its characters, seems to be searching for something of value, but ultimately fails to find it.
Conclusion
Selina’s Gold (2022) is a film that had the potential to explore important themes and tell a compelling story set against the backdrop of a significant historical period. However, the film’s lack of character development, weak narrative structure, and underutilization of its setting result in a viewing experience that is ultimately unsatisfying.
The film’s attempts at social commentary are overshadowed by its reliance on melodrama and explicit content, making it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters or care about their fates. The historical setting, which could have added depth and context to the story, is largely wasted, leaving the film feeling generic and uninspired.
