Directed by Jerrold Tarog, the man behind Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral films, “Bliss” is a 2017 psychological thriller film that explores the abusive nature of the film industry which also presents a film within a film narrative.

Produced by TBA Studios (I’m Drunk, I Love You, Birdshot), the movie revolves around Jane Ciego (Iza Calzado), a renowned actress who is left disabled after suffering an accident during the production of her film, “Bliss.” Jane is secluded in a house for her to heal and is taken care of by her husband, Carlo (TJ Trinidad) and a peculiar nurse named Lilibeth (Adrienne Vergara). Jane loses her sanity in the process as she is trapped in a world that’s far from reality.

Director Tarog makes a terrifying truth in the entertainment industry filled with visual metaphors and a creative horror narrative. Moreover, he cited Swedish Director Ingmar Bergman‘s “Persona,” American Filmmaker Rob Reiner’s “Misery” and the anime films “Perfect Blue” and “Millennium Actress” from Japanese Director Satoshi Kon as inspirations for the film.

Moreover, “Bliss” was an entry at the “12th Osaka Asian Film Festival” in March 2017. Calzado took home the Yakushi Pearl Award for Best Performer.

Lost in reality

The film showed elements of suspense, horror, and the true nature of a dark and abusive reality of the industry. Without feeding it to the audience, the film showed subtle and gradual hints on how the story unfolds. The audience is left with more questions than answers as the film progresses. Tarog knows how to craft a powerful and solid story; especially with how “Bliss“ turned out to be.

As the lead of the film, the focus is on Calzado’s character asking the same questions as the audience and looking for answers in the tiny spaces of her dream. Through flashbacks, Jane’s life unfolds that all lead up to where she is now. Jane is the victim in the story but we are left with little character development that emotions aren’t that heightened and felt with the character. Through flashbacks, Jane’s life unfolds that all lead up to where she is now.

Its visual narrative, however, portrays the subconscious and different visions of the protagonist. The horrors of the hidden spaces in the house filled with secrets, the film is heavy on visual metaphors which is one of the strengths of the film. A touch on seduction adds to the terror of how the entertainment industry is abusive and controlling.

A minor gripe with the film is its lapses in pacing. The film sometimes has a hard time keeping the story afloat without having to juggle the different plot points in the life of Jane.

Overall, the film’s powerful element is the film within a film narrative. The film explores the mental struggles of an actress day-to-day while shooting a film. Actors are also humans that aren’t capable of working tediously all day without being burnt out. This film sends a message to also maintain a healthy environment revolving around the actors and the production.

Be sure to catch “Bliss” alongside other TBA Studios’ films available on YouTube through this link.

Rating: 3.5/5