“Package Deal” (2024) Movie Review: A Bold Yet Baffling Erotic Drama
“Package Deal” (2024), directed by Carby Salvador and streaming on Vivamax, is a film that unapologetically embraces its erotic themes while attempting to weave in dramatic twists. The movie revolves around a character who works for a company called “PACK 2 U,” but instead of delivering a cohesive narrative, it delivers a chaotic mix of lust, confusion, and outlandish plot twists that may leave viewers either bewildered or entertained, depending on their expectations.
Plot: A Dizzying Mix of Eroticism and Drama
The story of “Package Deal” follows the employees of “PACK 2 U,” a company whose business may be unclear, but whose involvement in each other’s lives is intensely personal. The film is packed with scenes that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, often veering into the absurd. Sexual fantasies are not just hinted at—they’re fully realized, often in ways that are as shocking as they are bewildering.
One of the most talked-about plot twists involves a sexual encounter between two women, whose relationship is later revealed to be far more complicated and controversial than initially suspected. This kind of sensationalism is a hallmark of the film, which seems intent on pushing the envelope in every possible way.
Themes: Pushing Boundaries for Better or Worse
Eroticism and Voyeurism: The film’s primary focus is on exploring the depths of sexual fantasy and desire, often at the expense of logical storytelling. The explicit scenes are plentiful and varied, catering to an audience that expects Vivamax films to deliver on this front. However, the overtly sexual content can sometimes overshadow any attempt at deeper narrative or character development.
Absurdity and Satire: “Package Deal” does not shy away from absurdity, often blending shocking moments with comedic elements that may or may not land with the audience. The film seems self-aware of its ridiculousness, with lines and scenes that appear to intentionally flirt with the boundary between satire and straight-up farce.
Family Ties and Forbidden Love: The revelation of the true relationship between two characters engaged in a sexual encounter is meant to shock, but it also raises questions about the film’s approach to taboo subjects. The film’s treatment of such themes might be seen as daring by some, but it could also be perceived as distasteful or unnecessary by others.
Performances: A Mixed Bag with a Standout Flop
Mark Anthony Fernandez takes the lead role, and while his character is supposed to be the emotional core of the film, his performance leaves much to be desired. His acting in the dramatic scenes is often criticized as lacking conviction, with his emotional depth only surfacing during the sex scenes. This disconnect between his acting and the film’s intended emotional beats results in a performance that feels uneven and unconvincing.
Angelica Hart, Marianne Saint, and Yuki Sakamoto round out the cast, delivering performances that are serviceable but often hampered by the script’s more ridiculous demands. The characters they portray are often one-dimensional, existing primarily to fulfill the film’s erotic and sensationalist needs rather than to contribute meaningfully to the plot.
Direction and Script: A Chaotic Collaboration
Carby Salvador and writer La Dhera seem to have set out to create a film that is anything but ordinary. The script is filled with twists and turns, but many of these feel more like gimmicks than genuine storytelling devices. The direction does little to ground the film in any sort of reality, opting instead to fully embrace the chaos that the script presents.
The dialogue is often cringe-worthy, with lines that feel more suited to an adult film than a serious drama. The musical choices, too, are often jarringly out of place, adding to the overall sense that the film is less a cohesive narrative and more an extended series of vignettes loosely tied together by its setting.
Reception and Impact
“Package Deal” has garnered attention for its boldness, but not always for the right reasons. Critics and audiences alike have noted the film’s lack of coherence, with many pointing to its over-the-top sexual content as a distraction from what could have been a more engaging story. The film’s absurdist approach to its plot and characters makes it a polarizing entry in the Vivamax catalog.
Where to Watch “Package Deal” Online
For those curious about this bold cinematic experiment, “Package Deal” is available to stream on Vivamax. The platform is home to a wide range of Filipino films, including those that push boundaries in terms of content and style. Here’s how you can watch it:
- Vivamax: Available for streaming on the Vivamax platform. Subscription details and availability may vary, so check Vivamax for the most up-to-date access options.
Conclusion: A Package Best Left Unopened
“Package Deal” (2024) is a film that will likely appeal to those who enjoy boundary-pushing content and don’t mind a heavy dose of absurdity with their erotica. Directed by Carby Salvador, it features performances that are as uneven as the script they’re based on, with Mark Anthony Fernandez’s portrayal standing out for all the wrong reasons.
For viewers looking for a well-crafted narrative or meaningful drama, “Package Deal” is unlikely to satisfy. Its reliance on shock value and sensationalism, coupled with a lack of coherent storytelling, makes it a film that is difficult to recommend outside of its intended niche audience. Streaming on Vivamax, it’s a package deal that might leave more viewers packing up and moving on to something else.
