This review may contain spoilers
BL on a Budget
This feels like a low-budget version of Theory of Love, and honestly, it's a bit disappointing—especially knowing it was produced by ABS-CBN, one of the biggest and oldest TV networks in the Philippines. When it comes to their straight dramas, they always go all out with the budget. But for BL? It seems like they just cut corners.
This is yet another BL film made during the COVID era, and sure, I get the limitations. But then again, Gameboys and Hello Stranger were also shot during the pandemic, and they pulled it off really well.
About 70% of the movie feels dragging. Okay fine, I get it—quarantine life meant all people could do was have endless video calls. But it lacked that spark, that butterflies in the stomach factor.
On the bright side, the acting wasn’t bad—especially Kendrick. He had good chemistry with his co-star, and that helped a lot. What I actually loved most was the ending—it was subtle but powerful, with a double meaning.
(Kendrick holds up his pinky to the cam)
Tom: "I don’t want that, I want a hug."
Kendrick: "How?"
Tom: "I don’t know. Maybe when we can come out."
That line hit me. It could mean when quarantine is over, they can finally see each other and hug. Or maybe it means when they’re ready to come out they can fully embrace who they are.
For me, they were the real endgame—not Kendrick’s ex-girlfriend.
This is yet another BL film made during the COVID era, and sure, I get the limitations. But then again, Gameboys and Hello Stranger were also shot during the pandemic, and they pulled it off really well.
About 70% of the movie feels dragging. Okay fine, I get it—quarantine life meant all people could do was have endless video calls. But it lacked that spark, that butterflies in the stomach factor.
On the bright side, the acting wasn’t bad—especially Kendrick. He had good chemistry with his co-star, and that helped a lot. What I actually loved most was the ending—it was subtle but powerful, with a double meaning.
(Kendrick holds up his pinky to the cam)
Tom: "I don’t want that, I want a hug."
Kendrick: "How?"
Tom: "I don’t know. Maybe when we can come out."
That line hit me. It could mean when quarantine is over, they can finally see each other and hug. Or maybe it means when they’re ready to come out they can fully embrace who they are.
For me, they were the real endgame—not Kendrick’s ex-girlfriend.
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