Nothing is as it seems in Linlang, the number one show on Prime Video’s Top 10 Shows in the Philippines.
The streaming platform’s Facebook page describes Linlang as a show that depicts “a life blinded by love and filled with lies,” and this is exactly what viewers can expect from the first two episodes that were released on October 5, 2023.
Read: Maricel Soriano, Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman topbill ABS-CBN series to air in 2023
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) lists four reasons to watch Linlang exclusively on Prime Video.
A STELLAR CAST
Linlang stars Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, who play married couple Juliana and Victor Lualhati.
In the first two episodes alone, the two are able to show how young love is quickly beset by adult responsibilities, and how it takes hard work and sacrifice to achieve dreams and fulfill promises.
Both turn in nuanced performances, and it is especially a delight to see Kim take on a mature role, one that is quite different from her cheerful and bubbly personality.
As expected, Maricel Soriano and JM de Guzman also give commendable performances, enough to tease the viewers about their respective characters’ backgrounds and motivations.
Read: JM de Guzman reflects on how he handled past heartbreak: "Self-destruct kasi bata pa ako nun."
Kim has expressed her excitement over working with Paulo for the first time, as well as getting the chance to work with Maricel and JM.
She says in an Instagram post, “Taking this role is one big challenge, and I'm here for it.”
FAST-PACED STORYTELLING
Each episode of Linlang lasts for one hour, and there is a lot to unpack in the first two episodes, thanks to the fast-paced storytelling.
The show opens with Paulo and Kim as young lovers, and quickly progresses into their life as a struggling married couple.
While the pacing is quick, it does not feel rushed.
Rather, it makes the viewer want to watch intently so as not to miss any details throughout the time skips.
The change in the stars’ appearance throughout the time skips is also done in a subtle way, achieved through differences in hairstyle, make-up, and styling, but nothing too over the top.
NEW FACES TO WATCH
Linlang also has in its cast new faces to watch, such as Heaven Peralejo, Anji Salvacion, and Race Matias.
Viewers catch a glimpse of all three in the first two episodes, and those quick appearances all feel like a teaser that they may have bigger roles to play as the story unfolds.
Most notable of the new faces is Kaila Estrada, who is paired with JM de Guzman.
This project is the actress’ third drama series, and among the newbies, she has the biggest role to play as Sylvia Lualhati, the wife of JM’s character Alexander Lualhati.
Kaila proves she is more than just a pretty face as her portrayal of the complex character leaves viewers wondering about the transformation she seems to undergo in the first two episodes.
Read: Kaila Estrada, revelation in Linlang; thankful for mom Janice de Belen's acting advice
A SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH
The first two episodes of Linlang leave one with more questions than answers.
Because of the many time skips that happen across two hours, viewers can only hope that future episodes will feature flashbacks to explain certain events or uncover even more secrets.
With all of its plot twists and turns, watching the series feels like being caught in a web of lies and deceit.
One is left with the hope that each episode may unravel this tangled web, and love can still be found underneath it all.
Linlang is streaming exclusively on Prime Video in the Philippines and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. New episodes are released every Thursday.
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