Virgin Forest (2022) Movie Review
Directed by: Brillante Mendoza
Cast: Sid Lucero, Vince Rillon, Markki Stroem, Ivan Padilla, Greg Hawkins, Angeli Khang, Rob Guinto, Alma Moreno
Presented by: Viva Films, Center Stage Productions
Release Date: June 24, 2022 (via Vivamax)
Virgin Forest (2022), directed by the acclaimed Brillante Mendoza, is a film that attempts to blend raw social commentary with the director’s signature gritty style. However, while the movie touches on some potent themes and delivers strong performances from a select few actors, it ultimately falls short of its potential, becoming more about spectacle than substance.
Plot Overview
The story follows a photographer, played by Sid Lucero, who ventures into a forest—one filled not only with natural beauty but also with the metaphorical “weeds” of corruption and vice. The film’s premise sets up a tension between the photographer’s quest to capture the forest’s beauty and the darker, more unsavory realities he encounters.
As the narrative unfolds, the forest becomes a maze of moral dilemmas, with the protagonist caught between documenting the raw truth and becoming part of the sinister world he seeks to expose.
Performances
Sid Lucero, a frequent face in Vivamax films, brings a level of depth and authenticity to his role that elevates the movie. His portrayal is nuanced and effortless, providing a strong anchor for the film’s chaotic and sometimes unfocused storyline. Among the male cast, he is the standout performer, delivering a performance that is both compelling and believable.
On the female side, veterans like Alma Moreno and rising stars like Angeli Khang and Rob Guinto manage to hold their own. Their performances, while not groundbreaking, are solid enough to carry the scenes they are in. Unfortunately, many of the other actors serve more as background decoration than integral parts of the story. Vince Rillon’s performance, while energetic, lacks the subtlety required to truly shine. The “Kano Trio”—Markki Stroem, Ivan Padilla, and Greg Hawkins—also fail to make a significant impact, with their performances feeling more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out characters.
The rest of the female cast, unfortunately, seems to struggle even with simple tasks, like walking and delivering lines with conviction. In some cases, their performances are so weak that even the forest’s wildlife appears to act more convincingly. The lack of effort in their portrayals detracts from the overall impact of the film, making it difficult for the audience to connect with their characters.
Themes and Symbolism
One of the film’s strengths lies in its ending, which is both bold and thought-provoking. The symbolic use of the Rafflesia flower, a parasitic plant often associated with decay and death, is a powerful metaphor that aligns well with the film’s darker themes. The ominous sound design also adds a layer of tension, keeping viewers on edge as the story progresses.
However, despite these strengths, the film seems more preoccupied with showcasing flesh than with developing a cohesive narrative. The numerous scenes of nudity and sexual content feel excessive, as if the filmmakers were working toward a quota of how many bodies they could undress on screen. This overemphasis on explicit content detracts from the film’s more meaningful messages, turning what could have been a poignant exploration of corruption and morality into something more akin to a prolonged fashion show set in a jungle.
Cinematography and Direction
Visually, Virgin Forest has its moments. The cinematography captures the lush, almost mystical atmosphere of the forest, creating a sense of both beauty and foreboding. However, these moments are often overshadowed by the film’s focus on its more sensational elements. The forest, which could have been a character in its own right, instead becomes a backdrop for scenes that are more about shock value than storytelling.
Director Brillante Mendoza, known for his ability to craft gritty, realistic narratives, seems to lose his way with this film. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of time spent on what feels like a maze quest through the forest, leaving little room for the actual plot to develop. By the time the film does start to come together, there is too little time left to build any real momentum or emotional impact.
Where to Watch
For viewers who are fans of Brillante Mendoza’s work or are curious about the latest offerings from Vivamax, Virgin Forest is available for streaming on the platform. However, those looking for a film with depth, strong storytelling, or even just a well-executed plot may find themselves disappointed.
Conclusion
Virgin Forest (2022) is a film that had the potential to be a powerful commentary on the darker sides of human nature and the environments that foster them. However, its overreliance on explicit content and underdeveloped characters leave it feeling more like a missed opportunity than a cinematic triumph. While the film does have its moments, particularly in the performances of Sid Lucero and the thematic symbolism of the Rafflesia, these are not enough to redeem the overall experience.
