Expensive Candy (2022)

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A Surprising Portrait of Love and Ambition
Film Review

I initially had no intention of watching this film, as the promotional materials did little to spark interest. However, a short clip I stumbled upon on TikTok changed my mind—and to my surprise, the film delivered far more than expected.

Julia’s portrayal of Candy, a low-class prostitute, was initially unconvincing—she looked far too polished and expensive for the role. It raised questions: why isn’t she working in high-end venues? Even Candy, at one point, questions her worth, subtly acknowledging the dissonance between her image and her circumstances. This self-awareness added depth to her character and made her story even more intriguing.

The film successfully humanizes Candy, framing her not as a one-dimensional figure, but as a woman shaped by poverty and survival. Her materialism is not vanity but strategy—an aspiration to escape hardship. It’s made clear that she doesn’t enjoy her work, but sees no other viable path toward a better life. This stands in stark contrast to Toto, a man content with simple pleasures and limited means.

While both characters love each other, the film explores the painful truth that love alone is not always enough. Candy wants more from life, and she is transparent about that. Toto, meanwhile, is emotionally stagnant, unable—or unwilling—to meet her halfway. His infatuation with her seems driven more by desire and fantasy than a genuine interest in who she truly is.

The dynamic between them is ultimately unsustainable. Much like the faulty lightbulb in their shared home—described by Toto as needing adjustment—their relationship flickers but never fully works. Despite their best efforts to adapt, their conflicting values lead to inevitable heartbreak.

What makes the film compelling is not just the tragic love story, but how it charts the characters' personal growth. Both Candy and Toto come to terms with who they are and what they truly want. In the end, it’s not just about what they lost—but what they learned.

Julia deserves praise for embracing such a bold, nuanced role with confidence. Though I expected the film to rely on provocative content, it instead focuses on emotional storytelling. The only notable drawback is the unnecessary use of profanity, especially from Toto, which felt inconsistent with his character. Emotional intensity doesn’t always require harsh language—and this is something many Filipino films could benefit from reconsidering.

In all, the film is a brief yet impactful portrayal of mismatched love, hard choices, and self-realization. It asks a difficult but honest question: when love and life pull in opposite directions, which one do you follow?

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