When This is All Over, directed by Kevin Mikhail Mayuga, is a film that captures the isolation felt by people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Juan Karlos Labajo is simply known as "The Guy" in this entry to the 2023 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Jorrybell Agoto plays Rosemarie, a worker in the condominium who develops an unexpected friendship with JK's character whom she refers to as “Unit 610.”
Ana Abad Santos is cast as the mother of JK's character who is based in the United States.
Written by Abbey Mayuga-de Guia and Benedict Mendoza, When This is All Over depicts how a desperate guy helps entitled rich kids who want to throw a secret party at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
JK's character sees this as his chance to escape the Philippines and reunite with his mother abroad.
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THE CAST
JK Labajo "The Guy"
Previous projects: Ako Si Ninoy (2022), A Love To Last (2017)
Jorrybell Agoto as Rosemarie
Previous projects: Arabella (2023), Tether (2023)
Ana Abad Santos as Lanie
Previous projects: A Family Affair (2022), Love In 40 Days (2022), Love You Long Time (2023)
Read: Jorrybell Agoto, malakas ang laban bilang Best Actress sa Cinemalaya
THE VERDICT
When This is All Over takes a fresh approach by delving into the complex relationship between The Guy and his estranged mother, Lanie.
Lanie, who married an American and moved to the United States to start a new life, left The Guy to navigate his own path relying solely on the allowances she sent.
While this forms the emotional core of the film, When This is All Over stands out by exploring the psychological impact experienced by abandoned children.
When This is All Over is a visually exciting film to watch for its psychedelic effects that push the boundaries of Philippine cinematography.
The filmmakers know well enough to differentiate the effects of various drugs on the human body.
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JK LABAJO'S PERFORMANCE
Even JK accurately portrays the sensations felt by those who are high and he is very believable as a stoner who often samples the dangerous drugs that he peddles.
JK shows maturity as an actor in this film as he is able to show nuances in his performance.
He is adept in showing various levels of being stoned as well as his conyo side when he assumes an American twang in order to avoid Rosemarie from getting into trouble.
He should be commended for his breakdown scene as he shows his vulnerable side, being completely absorbed by his character longing for his mother’s love.
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ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE
One of the film's highlights is the scene wherein a marijuana supplier ticks off hilarious names for local weed strains.
It leaves the audiences in stitches while raising the question: how could the supplier get away with raising marijuana plants in such an ordinary location as a condo unit.
When This is All Over runs into dangerous territory when it romanticizes the use of illegal substances as the key for the main character to gain some clarity regarding his situation.
It might spark the curiosity of some people to seek out these mind-altering drugs just to experience what JK's character experienced in the film.
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A GLIMPSE OF CORRUPTION
The film also glosses over the serious crime done by JK's character and his co-conspirators.
They waste funds allocated for the pandemic just to alleviate their boredom from the lockdown.
It makes you wonder what else the ultrarich have gotten away with at a time when the upper class only got richer and the masses suffered from confusing lockdown policies.
When This is All Over could have sent a stronger message about the great divide between the haves and have nots of society.
It did manage to show how the pandemic affected people from opposite ends of the economic spectrum; for the rich, it was an inconvenience while for the working class, it became a period of uncertainty and job instability.
Read: Complete guide to Cinemalaya 2023 full-length entries
CINEMALAYA 2023 ENTRIES
When This is All Over is one of the full-length film entries competing at Cinemalaya XIX: IlumiNasyon.
It will run until August 13, 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center and select cinemas of Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Glorietta, UP Town Center and Trinoma.
The other full-length feature film entries are: Ang Duyan ng Magiting by Dustin Celestino; As If It’s True by John Rogers; Gitling by Jopy Arnaldo; and Huling Palabas by Ryan Espinosa.
Bulawan Bulawan Nga Usa (Golden Deer) by Kenneth dela Cruz; Iti Mapupukaw (The Missing) by Carlo Joseph Papa; Maria by Sheryl Rose Andes; Tether by Gian Arre; and Rookie by Samantha Lee.
The PEP REVIEW section carries the views of individual reviewers, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the PEP editorial team.