Feast is not an ordinary story. It is a story closely related to real life, a story which we often come across in the news. Centered around the life of Rafael Tuazon, a Kapampangan restaurateur, the story unfolds amidst the hustle and bustle of a fish market where fate intertwines the paths of Rafael and Maitas, accompanied by his daughter. A momentary distraction leads to a tragic collision between Rafael's vehicle and Maitas's tricycle, altering the course of their lives irreversibly. Matias slips into a coma, his condition progressively worsening, compelling his wife to make the agonizing decision to let him rest eternally. The accident leaves his young daughter injured. The aftermath leaves a void in Maitas's family, their shattered existence haunted by memories of happier times spent together. The repercussions of the accident extend beyond physical injuries; guilt weighs heavily on Rafael, ensnaring him in a web of remorse.
In a selfless act of sacrifice, Rafael's father, Alfredo, shoulders the blame to shield his son from the clutches of justice, resulting in his imprisonment. Even though Rafael is free, is he really though? Rafael is still guilt-ridden of his actions which tie him down.
However, post the sentencing, viewers get to see something unexpected that is not explained in the movie- Maitas’s family can be seen helping the Tuazon family run their restaurant. Maitas's wife steps in, aiding Rafael's mother in the daily operations of their restaurant. Maybe it could be a part of the Tuazon family’s initiative to support Maitas’s family.
But the question is have they truly forgiven the Tuazon family? Or is any one of them secretly plotting revenge to avenge the father’s death? What acts as a shop stopper is the plot twist towards the end. Apart from that, Feast has nothing new or interesting to offer.
Feast had the potential for greatness, yet it fell short in its execution. While the initial premise held promise, the narrative falters in the middle, losing its momentum. The gravity of the situation established at the beginning seems to dissipate, leaving a sense of stagnation in the storyline.
The transition from tragedy to seemingly harmonious coexistence between the Maitas and Tuazon families feels abrupt and unrealistic. It's as if the weight of Maitas's tragic fate is conveniently brushed aside, replaced by an overly optimistic portrayal of familial unity. The lack of continuity in acknowledging the profound loss undermines the authenticity of the narrative, leaving the audience questioning the emotional depth of the characters.
Moreover, the acting fails to elevate the material, with performances that feel unpolished. The rawness of the acting further exacerbates the shortcomings of the plot-line, failing to engage the audience on a deeper level.
Indeed, one aspect of Feast that captures attention is its visual feast of cuisine. The film lives up to its title as it showcases a delightful array of dishes being prepared and served. Viewers are treated to a tantalizing glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines, with various traditional delicacies taking center stage. Not sure about everything else, but you will definitely feel hungry after watching this movie (and a little scared of food too iykyk).
Final Score- [4.5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times