With many entertainment companies giving the public access to their content during the enhanced community quarantine, TBA Studios has released a wide array of full-length films on their Youtube channel including the QCFilm Festival 2015 entry Gayuma.

Anyone who grew up hearing stories of aswangs, tikbalangs, and the creatures of old Philippine mythology has surely heard a story or two about gayuma—a love potion that makes one irresistible to the person they desire.

Taking audiences into a world where art is all-consuming, Gayuma follows Mike Buena Vista (Benjamin Alves), a fine arts student at University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman who hails from a family of artists, as he becomes enthralled by the elusive new figure drawing model, Stella (Phoebe Walker). All the while, Mike’s girlfriend, Joy (Elora Espano), a UP film student, falls into an increasing spiral of distress and desperation as she attempts to keep the man she loves from being consumed by his search for a muse.

Alves’ performance presents a withdrawn transformation; entering the screen as a confident young man who is slowly discovering and developing his identity as an artist, and transforming into an aloof, unresponsive shell. On the other hand, Walker is the picture of mystery, capturing Mike’s attention with her grace and piercing gaze, while Espano portrays the very essence of desperate optimism and devotion. The film also features veteran actress, Cherie Gil, who plays Mike’s artist and socialite aunt, Malena.

Directed by renown veteran production designer, Cesar Hernando, the film artfully illustrates the nature of art, curiosity, obsession and how these lead to an individual’s destruction when combined.

Overly artistic

Set against two contrasting backgrounds—the lush greenery of the iconic UP Diliman campus and the dark mystery of a secluded ancestral home—the film’s storyline is heavily infused with horror and eroticism; with metaphors on art, literature, and mythology included in the mix to bring to life a surreal feeling throughout the film.

While this film was a melting pot for various aspects of art, these ingredients do not thoroughly come together. The plot’s buildup was well-paced and chilling, however, the film’s pacing drastically shifted with an abrupt ending.

Furthermore, the allusions to art and mythology were not easily comprehended by a casual viewer. At times, the film even begins to feel excessively intellectual with its metaphors. Yet, the film still captures its main point; gayuma–the irresistible allure of an otherworldly force.

Catch Gayuma and other TBA Studios films through this link.

Cover Photo by Miguel Bugarin