Directed by Andoy Ranay, “Open“, an entry to Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, revolves around the story of how a couple of 14 years try to save their relationship by exploring the concept of open relationships. Starring JC Santos (Ethan) and Arci Muñoz (Rome), the expense of breaking one’s trust can impact their relationship.
Based on the story conceptualized by Wanggo Gallaga, scriptwriter professor and faculty member of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Film Department, the movie explores the concept of an open relationship which isn’t commonly discussed in the country and shown in Philippine cinema. The concept of an open relationship contradicts the belief in staying true and committed to only one and can be considered a taboo in a conservative country.
Eyes wide (not) shut
An atypical concept in the movie industry, Open is refreshing in terms of giving the audience characters that are well-developed and relatable. The film follows long-time partners Rome and Ethan who their friends see as the perfect couple. Ethan, portrayed by JC Santos, ponders on the idea of an open relationship when he learns that his best friend Archie (Vance Larena) and his fiancé Monique (Ivana Alawi) are seeing other people whilst staying committed to each other. Rome, characterized by Arci Muñoz, agrees to the proposition that it is the only way she can save their relationship. Exploring the gray areas, the film presents the outlook of an open relationship and that it doesn’t really work for every couple.
Some scenes have played out like a typical mainstream Filipino erotica. However, this doesn’t give much to the film as the characters are still the focus of the story. With the rules of having sex with strangers, the addition of Erika (Ina Raymundo) as Ethan’s attractive co-worker and eventual “affair” is written as over-the-top at times with her interactions with Ethan.
Moreover, for the third consecutive year, theater veteran actor Santos is included in the film festival; with his previous films being 2017’s 100 Tula Para Kay Stella and 2018’s The Day After Valentines. This time around, Open is more mature and takes bold moves in storytelling. Santos’ emotions arise in the heat of the moment which boosts the role of a selfish and naive Ethan. However, his motivations and decisions deserve no justice in the end as all throughout, Ethan is the driving force of the whole story to explore an open relationship.
Playing as the role of the victim, actress Muñoz makes the audience sympathize for her as she tries to keep Ethan in her arms. Rome, an innocent and reserved character, struggles to meddle with other people as their open relationship proceeds. The banters between the conservative and modern outlook of these two characters on screen seem to interact with one another that doesn’t feel forced in reality.
A free-flowing structure of a story, Open plays out smoothly with setting up the characters’ motivations, the turning points and obstacles, changes, and the climax of the story. The film’s progression gradually builds up the changes in the relationship of Rome and Ethan.
Overall, the strength of the film is the unique concept of a well-written screenplay which makes the audience hooked with the character progression. Gallaga, alongside scriptwriters Dwein Baltazar and Katherine Labayen, voice out well-written dialogues which include powerful confrontations that blend well with the delivery of the actors.
The almost two-hour runtime passes by quickly as the true focus of the story is from the chemistry between Rome and Ethan and how slowly their relationship changes throughout the film. Indeed, director Ranay is no stranger to the romance genre having directed the films Diary ng Panget, Talk Back and You’re Dead, and Para sa Hopeless Romantic.
Premiered last September 13, Open runs until September 19 in Philippine cinemas nationwide.
