Secondly, I would also want to share that I DID NOT GET TO SEE THE BEGINNING OF THE MOVIE. And it kills me. It is killing me. I came in possibly in the middle part of the film. And seriously, I hated it. But seeing some other people coming in even later than I was kind of compensated for it. (Yes, sadistic. I know.)
You should also know that I am a big big fan of Yeng Constantino who plays the role of Estela, the lead female role. Which is why I almost cried when people started applauding her when she said this witty line. I was like, "Yup. She's an actress now. And people adore her."
So going back to the film, truly, it was a big unconventional story. I mean, a tomboyish girl falls in-love with her gay friend? It could sound like a cheesy mainstream flick starring certain comedians. But one thing I absolutely love about indie movies is the rawness of the story, and that was exactly what was shown in Shift.
There was no cheesiness that would make you want to hurl. Just raw emotion. And it was so realistic.
I would really have to commend Ms. Constantino's acting. It was so genuine. Well, sure, there were bits that were so obviously scripted. But hey, let's give her a break. It's her first film. But the way she portrayed her character was just so natural, which is why she was so perfect for the role of Estela. The way she moved, walked, talked, laughed--it was just right, and it was so real you could see it in her eyes.
I could still remember the scene where *SPOILER ALERT* she was yelling for her sister so angrily. It's funny because the way she was calling her sister and the way she tried to calm herself was exactly how actual people would do it. Not how mainstreams would yell in the most beautiful and graceful way possible. (I'm not criticizing the mainstream film industry though.)
I guess what makes it so relatable was how the scenes were shown the way it should be. As I've said before, no OA cheesiness. It is what it is.
I absolutely loved the scene where *SPOILER ALERT* Kevin confesses that he likes Estela. I liked how Estela reacted to it--she openly said that she liked Kevin before but now she loves someone else. Kevin, on the other hand, reacts lightheartedly to it since they've always had the you're-so-irritating-but-you're-fun-to-be-with-especially-since-Estela-is-one-of-the-boys-so-we're-practically-brothers relationship. No drama. And I loved it.
There was a certain kilig factor to it because I know that most girls with close guy friends have gone through that awkward stage of I-think-he-likes-me-and-I-think-I-kind-of-like-him-too-but-we're-just-going-to-be-friends-coz-it's-just-a-crush. (Or maybe it's just me? Haha!)
And Trevor and Estela's cute scenes together. It wasn't overdone. It was just right and so clear. Two friends just really enjoying the company of each other, all while trying to suppress their feelings for each other. One was in denial, one was in hiding. It's a pretty hard task for the actors. But, they did it perfectly. It would make you go, "Aww" in the most non-irritating way.
Also, the story itself was something else. Though I don't have much to say since I didn't start the film. *sniff* Yes, there were parts that were pretty slow. But then again, maybe I didn't find so much significance in it since I never really got the beginning of the story. *sniff sniff* But the story of call centers and call center agents, plus a totally unusual love story? #Awesome
Cinematography = Awesomer. Really. SOOO AWESOME. It's the type of cinematography that's always been appealing to me. Plus, the text-in-video effects? Loved it. (Hello, BBC One's Sherlock.)
Soundtrack = Much Awesomer. It was like... 500 Days of Summer. (Think: Sweet Disposition) Now, you begin to understand what kind of movie it was, yeah? Needless to say, the soundtrack kind of clued me in that this film was for young adults (early 20's?). I mean, they would probably enjoy it even more than other age groups. (Maybe? AGAIN, these are opinions.)
And of course, the open-ended ending. (Was that redundant?)
When the screen turned black after the question, "Where do you see yourself five years from now?" left Estela speechless, I reeeally thought it was just a long cut into another scene. Or worse, a technical problem. But then the credits started showing. I was like... WHUUUUUT. What just happened?! Omg, it's done? It's done?!
I like open-endeds. Really. The first I saw was Ang Babae sa Septik Tank, and it was awesome. I loved it so much. I mean, it was the perfect way to end it.
But, this... I really didn't get it. BUT I GUESS IT WAS BECAUSE I DIDN'T START THE MOVIE. Which is actually true because Direk Siege Ledesma clearly stated that the beginning of the film was kind of connected to the open-ended ending. So there. Obviously my fault. *sniff*
I'd say a whole lot more, but my brain is beginning to hibernate.
But truly, I loved the film. I loved Yeng Constantino. I loved Estela Alano. I now love Felix Roco. And I most especially loved how the story was told through the film. How it was made to be relatable and not irritable. How it was such a simple story, yet it oozes with appeal. How, as I've said earlier, it was made to be so real. There were no cheesy lines or even kissing! Yet it was like getting shot by Cupid.
Well, you get the picture.
I'm gonna have to take notes for my future thesis film. ;)
Photos are from Shift's Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Shift.C1
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