Let's Catch Waves, Not Feelings: Apocalypse Child Film Review
- Clare Batac
- Nov 8, 2016
- 3 min read
**Spoiler Alert**
"Apocalypse Child" brought me back to one of my best weekends where I learned how to catch waves.
I was disheartened when I thought I wouldn't be able to watch "Apocalypse Child" in cinema, but thank God they decided to extend its screening period. So yup, to make the long story short, I was able to catch it a few days ago.
"Apocalypse Child" actually doesn't have a concrete plot, instead, how each character's individual personality and how it was built up is what makes up the essence of the film, like a jigsaw puzzle. Aside from its location, the surfing capital of the North — Baler, another thing that captivated me is how the whole film brings out the inner free-spirit in the viewer.
The film revolves around the life of Ford (Sid Lucero), a surfing instructor, who is rumored to be an American bastard or one of the bastards of Francis Ford Coppola, a famous Hollywood director of the film "Apocalypse Now", which was shot in the province of Baler, Philippines. Fiona (Annicka Dolonius), Ford's current lover, is temporarily residing there to take care of her dying grandmother. There's not much said about Fiona except that she's 19 years of age. But one thing for sure why Fiona's character is so interesting is that despite her tough outer shell, the film showcases how innocent and young she is in a very compelling way. Chona, Ford's charming mother, and a pot head was an extra in "Apocalypse Now" at the age of 14. She gave birth nine months after the film was shot. Ford and Chona have a very unusual mother-son relationship given their age gap. Rich (RK Bagatsing), a young governor who used to be Ford's childhood friend, comes back to Baler after a long absence. RK returns to the city with his future trophy wife, Serena (Gwen Zamora). Rich's arrival brings back unhealed wounds of the past. Rich encourages Serena to take surfing lessons with Ford to give her something to do while she is still in the province. Those lessons unveil long-buried dark pasts. Despite his few scenes in the film, Jonas (Archie Alemania), Ford's wacky best friend, makes such an impact with his amusing attitude and witty remarks here and there.
The scenes are exquisitely shot like it was made not just for entertainment but to encourage people to go and visit Baler. The story is enticing because it isn't as predictable as some other movies, it is a beautiful mess, I can say. The relationship of the characters is somewhat straight forward yet complicated that makes it fascinating. It also shows the superstitious customs of some Filipinos and how much they're attached to these in the face of cultural evolution. The dialogues are well-written, pure, and so raw that made the film both easy to watch yet will embed on the viewer's heart. I would also like to mention Armi Millare's (of the band Up Dharma Down) score for this film, Young Again. It adds a poignant feel to the movie. I'm a BIG FAN!
I wish that "Apocalypse Child" will still be shown in cinemas on the days or weeks to follow because it deserves to be. Support Philippine Independent Film industry!
You can view Apocalypse Child details of its film showing here
Photo by: Apocalypse Child Facebook Page
Movie trailer by: Film Police Reviews
Originally posted on Niume, November 09, 2016
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