Of all the
triumphs going for Diane Ventura’s first feature-length film, Mulat (Awaken), its genre-bending
narrative style and the ace performances of its actors perhaps take the cake. Chief
in this long list are its two lead actors—Jake Cuenca (who plays the morose
Jake) and Ryan Eigenmann (who is dynamite as Vince)—both of whom effectively
quash any preconceived notions viewers may have of their abilities due to their
notoriety in more mass-leaning vehicles. Newcomer Loren Burgos is also not to
be shrugged off, and it is her impassioned turn as Sam, in equal doses forceful
and vulnerable, which serves as the movie’s anchor. Supporting cast members
such as the sparring couple of Logan Goodchild (Logan) and Candy Pangilinan
(Cathy), as well as theater mainstay Madeleine Nicolas (Sam’s mom), also
deserve kudos.

In retrospect, Diane Ventura’s previous output, the Cherie Gil starrer TheRapist, was a portent of fine things
to come. Another psychological vehicle, the short film is yet another triumph
in less-is-more craftsmanship, and it approached weighty issues (rape, abuse,
sexuality, psychoanalysis) with deft hands. A new trailer for said film, which
got a G rating from the MTRCB after initially being deemed unfit for public
viewing, will also be shown in local screenings of Mulat.
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