Film Critique | Sun, Sea, Unspoken Lovers

WRITTEN BY MDPN. JOHN FRANCIS BABIERA | FILM STILLS FROM MASALIMUOT YA TIGYAGEW ED DAYAT (SUMMER BLUES) BY JAN CARLO NATIVIDAD ORTIZ

When people believe there are things better left unsaid, should it be felt by action?

Masalimuot Ya Tiyagew Et Dayat, also known as Summer Blues, a short film written by Jan Carlo Natividad Ortiz explores one’s self, happiness, and friendship between two guys recently reunited but coveted by the sea they found comfort in.

The actors Zeiah Mejia as Luis, and Kych Minemoto as Federico provided the perfect chemistry as they portray the characters. Luis, a graduating student from Manila, returns home at the Tondaligan Beach in Dagupan, Pangasinan, to see his close colleagues Federico and Levi. Federico was puzzled and concerned after spending time together on the beach since he began to develop feelings for Luis. However, the characters are open enough to give a bit of their hearts. Federico takes advantage of the isolated setting to express his prohibited yearning to his long-time acquaintance.

The title is a Pangasinense phrase that translates to “Scorching Sun at the Beach” (Mainit na Araw sa Dagat). It was metaphorical for Federico and Luis as they also exposed each other’s burn and desire. The serene beach scene amplified the characters’ unspoken tensions. While the pleasant tone of the picture suited their love and yearning for each other. The beauty of this film is that even they are not speaking, you can still feel them. Their touch and caress are enough for them to communicate the unsaid feelings.

The cinematography - moving underwater and emerging from the waves, assisted in conveying the message. Somewhat you can feel their pure bliss and melancholy as they submerge and float on water. Although it is not common for films to shoot midday, the use of harsh sunlight is playing a vital role in cinematography. It was used in a sense that created its cinematic statement. The underlying narrative of this film makes you feel blue. The film started midday afternoon and ended twilight after dawn. Who could expect that within a few hours of a fleeting moment, a lot took place?

The filmmakers are successful in showcasing and establishing a usual homoerotic friendship between two guys. In the beginning, they already created a dense atmosphere as the camera moved around the two lead actors, with extreme close-ups of their bodies. When their mouths are not able to speak what they feel, their eyes let their emotions overflow just like staring into the deep abyss of waters. The friendship between them is more than platonic and the events that led up to their conclusion felt contrived. It ended with a punch to depict the bleakness of the scenario.