"As If It's True," the Filipino film that claims to peel back the glossy facade of influencer culture, offers a perplexing journey through the murky waters of modern relationships and social media stardom. Starring Khalil Ramos as James, a brooding musician, and Ashley Ortega as Gemma Stone, a fading influencer with more filters than genuine emotions, the movie attempts to dissect the symbiotic relationship between two lost souls. While it has its moments of brilliance, it's akin to trying to find a diamond in a sea of emojis – challenging and, more often than not, not worth the effort.
Let's start with the positive, shall we? Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega deliver commendable performances, navigating through the shallow depths of their characters. Ramos captures the essence of a struggling musician with genuine emotional depth, while Ortega brings a believable air of desperation to her portrayal of Gemma, a social media influencer whose authenticity wanes faster than her follower count. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, transcending the script's limitations and occasionally injecting a spark of life into the otherwise dull narrative.
Director John Rogers, who doubles as the screenwriter, deserves a nod for attempting to tackle the complexities of Gen Z culture, internet fame, and the not-so-rosy side of influencer relationships. The film raises thought-provoking questions about the fine line between genuine connection and exploitation in an era where authenticity often takes a backseat to the pursuit of likes and shares.
Now, let's dive into the abyss of disappointment, where "As If It's True" sinks faster than a tweet with a typo. The plot, for all its attempts at profundity, feels like a loosely strung collection of Instagram captions – shallow and lacking substance. The initial promise of exploring the intricacies of modern relationships quickly dissipates into a melodramatic mess that leaves viewers questioning the movie's true intent.
The film's attempt to blend drama with comedy, labeling itself a dramedy, often feels more like a disjointed dance between conflicting genres. The comedic moments, while occasionally amusing, struggle to find a natural rhythm within the serious undertones of the narrative. It's like watching a cat trying to salsa – entertaining in its absurdity but ultimately confusing.
The supporting cast, unfortunately, doesn't provide the necessary pillars to support the shaky foundation laid by the leads. Characters portrayed by Adrianna So, John Silverio, Angellie Sanoy, Rachel Coates, and Marnie Lapus feel like caricatures rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Their performances often border on the verge of overacting, contributing to the film's struggle to maintain a consistent tone.
As the film attempts to tackle depression within James's character, it tiptoes on the line of trivializing mental health issues. Instead of delving into the complexities of mental health with the sensitivity it demands, the movie resorts to using James's struggles as a plot device, reducing the gravity of the issue to a mere subplot.
The cinematography, while competent, fails to elevate the film beyond its mundane narrative. The visuals lack the innovation and flair needed to breathe life into a story that often feels like it's running on empty. It's as if the cinematographer took inspiration from Gemma's Instagram feed – glossy but ultimately devoid of substance.
In conclusion, "As If It's True" attempts to capture the zeitgeist of the digital age but gets lost in its own pursuit of relevance. While the performances of Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega offer a fleeting glimpse of brilliance, the film's convoluted plot, tonal inconsistencies, and superficial exploration of complex themes leave much to be desired. It's like scrolling through an influencer's feed – momentarily captivating but ultimately forgettable. So, grab your popcorn, but don't expect a blockbuster; this one's more of a cinematic hiccup in the grand scheme of things.
Final Score - [4/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times