(I am) #JOWABLE! (2019): A Film Review

Durog na Mani. Lord, gusto ko ‘yun! Madurog yung mani ko.

From online short films to the big screen, Darryl Yap remained true to his craft as he tries to perpetuate his trademark.

Long take. Obvious cuts. Lengthy monologues.

If you consider yourself #normals or an avid viewer of VinCentiments, the official Facebook/YouTube platform of SAWAKAS SHORTS - A short film production headed by Darryl Yap (Writer, Director) and Vincent Asis (Cinematographer, Editor), then you must know that JOWABLE series with its million views is going to the cinema – not as a short film but a full-length movie on September 25!

If you haven’t heard of VinCentiments or watched any of its shorts, Jowable is a Darryl Yap short film released on June 14, 2018, in its Facebook Page (with 9.4m views and 155k shares as of this writing) and on August 17, 2018, on YouTube. This short film eventually became a series with a total of 6 entries in its YouTube Playlist still garnering a significant volume of online viewership.

#JOWABLE is not the culmination but a celebration of VinCentiments.

Coalescing actors from his viral shorts (KPL – Kung Pwede Lang, Crush, and others), the film stars Kim Molina, one of the talents in KPL (3 – BOSABOSS, 18m FB views), another Darryl Yap short series with a total of 8 episodes which drew online controversies and uproar over a year since its inception.

#JOWABLE, the film, pays tribute to its original material, the short, by having a scene with the same setting and script; although with some twitches were made cinematically. With all the rants and outlooks of Jowable The Series, #Jowable The Film introduces more layers to the familiar and familial narrative of a Filipino. Poetic but explicit lines, relatable characters, authentic performances (at least by the main casts in the actors of Kim Molina, Cai Cortez, and Kakai Bautista), let alone the apparent cinematography and thematic scoring, make the film satisfying. Satisfying that prompts escapism. With all the joy and drama, the film does not truly care about political correctness. And that in itself is the statement.

In Darryl Yap’s words, “Putangina. Putang-ina!” Uttered many times for MRTBC to finally rate it R-13 – after weeks of deliberation.

But it is more than the favorite Filipino curse words, the film narrative is written to reflect the common but discreet, guilty yet proud traits of Filipinos. Common because ordinary watchers can relate; discreet because some things remain taboo; guilty because it hits people to the gut; and proud because simply it is true.

More so, the film is produced on the premises of realism, openness, and courage. Realism on the believability of the characters and not on technical depictions; openness as to display unfiltered thoughts and courage to dare conservatives. 

Darryl Yap is not the first one to brave the pictures. But being one with the independent filmmakers, he furthers the attempt to break the formula by creating his own. Fortunately or unfortunately, he manifests the common story in another technique. Yap capitalizes on the audience anticipation for laughter but breaks it by ending the film with tears.

But #Jowable is the culmination of Darryl Yap.

Based on his acknowledgments and trivia, it is a personal film. Choosing the City of Olongapo as the backdrop of his narrative, with the infamous prostitution reputation of the place, Yap showcases where he grew up. As evident as the themes of his various shorts, the creative director acquired his materials from his own observations and experiences. As revealed, the reason for his long takes and minimal to no angle shifts is rooted in his theatrical background - static camera movement and elaborate dialogue and acting. Having parents who teach inspired him to pay tribute to teachers. Being heartbroken gave him a chance to explore romantic narratives – both cliché and distasteful.

Being produced by VIVA Films, one of the film production giants in the Philippines, Darryl Yap still claims he had control over the film content of #Jowable. It may be believable because the film is still apparent of explicit words, but expectedly, not as filled as his shorts. Admittedly, he had only been limited to such colorful words and motif references to his previous works (bra't panty). Despite that, he persisted on creating an image of a woman seeking validation, only to realize worthier things that should be truly aspired for. 

Finally, with no much spoilers, #Jowable talks about individuality, one’s aspirations and frustrations. It boasts a conscious narrative with good performances from its actors. Not a rom-com but a dramedy, #Jowable maintains the creator’s original style and creativity while being delivered in a bigger space and possibly attracting more than its niche audience.

“Are Filipinos ready to this kind of film?” the director asks. Are you?

Catch #JOWABLE at cinemas nationwide on September 25!

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The author of this film review is a film student who viewed the advance screening of #Jowable in University of the Philippines Film Center – Cine Adarna and listened to post-show Q&A with the cast and crew last September 21, 2019. #JOWABLEgoestoUP

This is JUST A REVIEW (Written for 2 hours and edited in 1 hour after watching the film) and not a CRITICAL REVIEW NOR A CRITIQUE.

Discussions about contextual points in women empowerment, stereotyping, poverty porn, racial representation, technical considerations, among others can be brought up.