Baler is the capital of Aurora. Though only 92.55 square kilometers small, it is home to many rich and fascinating stories.
When director Francis Ford Cappola filmed his 1979 masterpiece “Apocalypse Now”, he inadvertently created a surfing culture there. After they wrapped-up filming the movie, five boys brought a surfboard abandoned by the crew. They taught themselves how to surf, and the rest is history.
Another not well-known story about Cappola and Baler is, while shooting the epic war film, he allegedly impregnated a girl named Chona (Ana Abad-Santos). She was only fourteen years old, fifteen when she gave birth to her son -- Ford (Sid Lucero).
Ford grew up as a surfer, one of the best in Baler. He won many competitions, but for some reason, he stopped competing. He spends his time as an instructor to Fiona (Annicka Dolonius), his lover.
One day, his childhood best friend, Rich (RK Bagatsing), returned to Baler. Rich will be married soon to his fiance, Serena (Gwen Zamora). As a gift for their upcoming nuptials, Ford agreed to teach Serena how to surf. But it turns out that their meeting will lead to a very unusual affair and conflict.
“Apocalypse Child” is an award-winning film, directed by Mario Cornejo. The film is about Baler. It talks about the myths and the truths a small town holds and the people that live in it.
"Apocalypse Child" is unlike any other. It introduces the viewers to flawed characters as they navigate their small world. They are not distraught though, there is beauty in simplicity, and in their simple ways, they celebrate it. They surf, they smoke, and they share stories. Most of the time, they fabricate fictional tales about themselves as a way to make connections, to build relationships, and to live peacefully.
But peace is inconstant. No, not in a small town like Baler. The truth will reveal itself somehow, like how tides reveal the sands.
Soon after, the idyllic narrative of the movie will turn itself around. As soon as the revelations start to unfold one-by-one, there is no more looking back. Think of it as a tsunami during a typhoon. The wave of emotions is all of a sudden, quiet, and dangerous.
This what makes “Apocalypse Child” a compelling film to watch. The film is a deep dive into human relationships wrapped around myths and truths about Baler. Mario Cornejo's on-point characterization of his protagonists makes everything they do believable, even if their decisions are not truly rational. It just means to say that irrationality, oftentimes, is a creature's most profound quirk. Most people are serial liars. But how they restraint of being so, makes them human.
“Apocalypse Child” treats its narrative like a wave, whereas the audience is the surfboard. It builds itself up with half-truths and lies and lore to carry the viewers forward to shore.
The crisscrossing arcs of the characters and the movie's smart editing give the film a mystery-thriller vibe, which is uncommon for a romantic-drama.
“Apocalypse Child” is a beautiful rare gem in Philippine cinema. Everything works in harmony: production design, cinematography, location, character, story, and mood. It’s not an understatement when people consider the film as one of the best of 2015. Go check it out!
4/5
