It is a Filipino film. Locally known as ‘Dito At Doom’. Directed by JP Habac. It stars Janine Gutierrez, JC Santos,Yesh Burce, Lotlot de Leon with others.
During the onset of the pandemic, the story follows Len & Caloy forming an unlikely bond exclusively through the screens of their devices. The film revolves around an online romance that persists to exist offline.
One occasion when he reaches her place but she is at the groceries. He leaves a plant and leaves. He has duty. How did you turn into a plant? She asks later. I was reminded of ‘Mili’ the Hindi film where Amitabh asks Jaya, ‘ If I become the bouquet, where will you keep me?’
It also brought me the feeling of doom. Is this pair not going to make it? The plant blooms. But they don’t meet. He misses his family & decides to go back to Cebu.Just when she musters her courage & dolls up. To meet him on a weekend!
Her mother being away working as a nurse. Then detained for tests. Which come out negative but the underlining tension remains. Those painful days!
The end comes abruptly. Caloy choosing to fly back without meeting her. Len continues to look at her computer screen wondering if she should unfriend Caloy or not. The end is left to us.
Janine won the Rising star award for her role at the New York Asian Film Festival. That about sums it up. A natural performance. Wishing to see her more.
A very sensitively made film. When they talk & appear at each other’s side is beautifully photographed. We wish it was so!
Asian Entertainment 