X-Deal 2 (2022) Movie Review: A Sequel That Fails to Justify Its Existence
“X-Deal 2,” directed by Lawrence Fajardo and released by Viva Films in March 2022, attempts to follow up on the original “X-Deal” from 2011. The film stars Josef Elizalde, Rob Guinto, and Angela Morena in a story that revolves around a couple who engage in a sex swap with a fellow guest. However, despite the provocative premise and improved production values, the film ultimately falls flat, failing to deliver a compelling narrative or memorable performances.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Peter (Josef Elizalde) and Violet (Rob Guinto), a young couple who arrive at a secluded island resort for a photoshoot. Peter, a freelance photographer, is working on a project, with Violet as his model. Upon their arrival, they discover that the only other guest at the resort is Olivia (Angela Morena), a woman who, unbeknownst to Violet, is Peter’s ex-girlfriend.
As the narrative unfolds, Violet and Olivia grow close, and it isn’t long before Peter’s unresolved feelings for Olivia resurface. This leads to a proposition from Violet: a night of intimacy between Peter and Olivia, in exchange for Violet having her own night with Olivia. The film explores this complex, emotionally charged arrangement, but does so in a way that is often superficial and unconvincing.
Strengths
One of the most noticeable improvements in “X-Deal 2” compared to its predecessor is the production quality. The film benefits from a more polished visual aesthetic, with better cinematography that takes advantage of the beautiful island setting. The location adds a layer of allure to the film, offering a stark contrast to the urban environment of the original.
The script, penned by Jim Flores, also shows some improvement over the first film. While the dialogue in “X-Deal 2” still struggles at times, it is less cringe-inducing and more cohesive. The narrative attempts to delve into themes of desire, betrayal, and gender fluidity, though these explorations are often shallow and fail to fully engage the viewer.
Weaknesses
Despite these improvements, “X-Deal 2” is plagued by many of the same issues that hampered the first film. The most significant problem is the lack of believable performances. While Rob Guinto and Angela Morena show flashes of talent, their portrayals of Violet and Olivia lack the emotional depth needed to make their characters’ actions and decisions feel authentic. Josef Elizalde, as Peter, delivers a performance that is serviceable at best, but his lack of charisma and chemistry with his co-stars makes him a poor fit for the role.
The film’s pacing is another major issue. Although “X-Deal 2” is relatively short, it often feels slow and meandering, especially in the first hour. The buildup to the central sex swap is drawn out, with little happening to maintain the viewer’s interest. When the film finally reaches its climactic moment, it feels more like a relief than a payoff, with the resulting scenes lacking the intensity or emotional impact that such a storyline demands.
Opportunities
“X-Deal 2” had the potential to explore the complexities of human relationships, particularly in the context of unconventional arrangements like the one at its center. However, the film squanders this opportunity by focusing too heavily on its erotic elements at the expense of character development and narrative cohesion. There was room for the story to delve deeper into the psychology of its characters, but the script instead opts for surface-level drama and sensationalism.
Threats
The biggest threat to “X-Deal 2” is its inability to differentiate itself from other Vivamax productions. The film’s reliance on explicit content to draw in viewers is a common trait in the platform’s offerings, but without a strong story or compelling characters to back it up, “X-Deal 2” risks being forgotten as just another entry in Vivamax’s long line of erotic dramas. The film’s lack of originality and its failure to improve significantly on its predecessor make it unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
The Vivamax Formula: An Overreliance on Sensationalism
“X-Deal 2” is emblematic of the Vivamax formula, which often prioritizes nudity and sexual content over meaningful storytelling. While this approach may attract a certain audience, it also limits the films’ appeal to a broader demographic. In the case of “X-Deal 2,” the focus on body shots and sex scenes comes at the expense of utilizing the film’s stunning location or developing its characters in a meaningful way. The result is a film that feels hollow and unfulfilling, despite its attempts to provoke and titillate.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, “X-Deal 2” is a disappointing follow-up to its predecessor. While it shows some improvements in production quality and scriptwriting, these are not enough to save the film from its lackluster performances and shallow narrative. The movie’s attempt to explore themes of gender fluidity and sexual freedom is undermined by its focus on sensationalism, leaving little room for genuine character development or emotional depth.
For viewers seeking more than just superficial titillation, “X-Deal 2” is unlikely to satisfy. It serves as a reminder that, in the world of erotic cinema, substance is just as important as style—if not more so. Unfortunately, this film falls short on both counts.
Where to Watch “X-Deal 2” Online in the U.S.
“X-Deal 2” is currently available for streaming on Vivamax, a platform that specializes in Filipino erotic dramas. U.S. viewers can access Vivamax through its website or mobile app, offering both subscription options.
