Gaya Sa Pelikula (translation: Like In The Movies)— A Complete Heartfelt Review
This is a Philippines based show that was released on YouTube by ANIMA Studios.
(P.S. I wrote this two years ago in my notes and finally decided to post it up here, so brace yourselves, this one’s undergoing proofreading)
World today is on a racing track to progress against diversified cultural competence. Some of us are fast to grasp, whilst some demand their time to do so. But hey, the human mind is too subjective to fit under these two categories. Unacceptance is one, when loyalty to set rules of a culture dominates strongly over the need to unscramble and reflect on the fundamental principles clouded over by the arguments of the past. Self-acceptance is another, being the hardest, most prominent starter attribute to begin with.
Gaya Sa Pelikula is all but a pebble amidst the vastness of content that we are witnessing for voicing out to the LGBTQ+ community. The eight-episode long series is styled up in a way how complex emotional barriers one fails to acknowledge is exploded with power-packed truth-bombs in a breezy screenplay.
The protagonists are your usual university students who circumstantially happen to share an apartment during their semester break. We meet Karl, aspiring his career in filmmaking however pursues architecture at the best interests of his parents. Upon learning that his supposed roomie Vlad is a struggling film major, Karl’s “pocket-sized” willingness to share roof with the chaotic stranger holds meaningless; his unreasonable discomfort about the former being a gay man vanishes. The boys gradually bond over watching movies - with Vlad explaining Karl the elements of filmmaking as they do. The characterization of the two emboldens, the mutual connect being a driving factor to influence each other into finding friendship and solace within one another.
Having overfed with the responsibility to fulfil the dream of his late brother and being the soft-spoken obedient son, Karl opens up about his disdainful lifestyle. He quotes about how he is playing the ‘supportive role’ in his own story - to Vlad, whose vulnerability amidst homophobic parents and one profound ally of an elder sister, finds comfort. The boys’ relationship comes to a standstill when they tend to gravitate towards each other in romantic ways. Vlad has had his fair share of heartbreaks, that being consistently digging him down to prevent from expressing his affection outwardly. Vlad chooses to follow his heart after having been tagged the 'plot device that triggered somebody else’s identity crisis' and the yearning to love without a care in the world.
The storyline redeems with Karl discovering his sexuality, unforced over the due course of time he spends with Vlad. Karl’s acceptance to his sexuality and the sudden outrage at the thought of his exposure to the outside world brings out livid hypocrisy- the last thing Vlad would've wanted after all his failed attempts at love.
Karl's haphazardly state of mind and the fear of outing to the society is portrayed with sheer brilliance, turning the tide to a judgemental mob-mentality, accustomed to heterosexuality. The subtlety in the simplistic yet conflicting sides of the protagonists and their thought-processes is indeed captured beautifully, which makes GSP a wonderful watch with a roller-coaster ride of emotions.
The ultimatum that concludes the story is not a happy ending, but the hope instilled.
Okay so why should you watch Gaya Sa Pelikula yourself?
Every single frame in action is meaningful and adds to the progress of the plot. The chemistry between the protagonists is undeniably relatable and endearing, citing the little gimmicks we are familiar with- like a quarrel that arises for not washing the dishes or leaving the house untidy. This creates a homely atmosphere to the viewer to have a connectivity.
The show spits facts, yes. You are in for some real personal attack and will require occasional pauses to screenshot the quote-worthy dialogues delivered.
The characters on the screen are distinctive and catchy- you'll find parts of yourself in every single one of them. They all have their flaws and no one is entirely wrong either, which in turn leaves us with the question that can never have a solution. Every character expresses their vulnerabilities with regard to the situation put before and the screenplay has a remarkable command over a striking variety of perspectives. Moreover they reflect on their mistakes like the matured lot they are, giving room for character development to thrive.
Gaya Sa Pelikula is a whole package inclusive of endless laughter, anticipation, adrenaline rush, tears and lessons, and definitely hope.
Since this show is written and directed by cast and crew belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, the storytelling will undoubtedly hit home to every person who has experienced the process of coming out. As much as it enlightens on the community with a sense of responsibility, we can also insinuate the fervent necessity to push the special treatment aside and start generalizing their romance "like in the movies". This very message can be hinted with various millenial movie romances of a man and woman that is referenced in the chemistry of Karl and Vlad.
You wouldn’t wanna miss out on this god-tier show so don’t wait!
