Five friends met at a riverside a year after their graduation. It was all part of the pact they made to one another. They shall meet at that exact location annually. No one shall remind one another. And no consequence if they do not show.
The first to arrive is Kurt (Tony Labrusca). He is a freelance graphic designer forced to provide for his family’s needs. The overwhelming obligations laid upon his shoulder prompt him to prioritize work over himself and his friends.
The second to come is Ma-an (Jane Oineza). After graduation, she becomes an influencer. However, her zeal to find success through social media leads to open more insecurities than opportunities.
Next is Denzel (Jerome Ponce). He spends most of his time managing his business and hooking up with random guys. In his sexual adventure, he met someone who challenges his belief in relationship, love, and desire.
The last to appear are Hadji (Albie Casino) and Juna Mae (Myrtle Sarrosa). The two are in a relationship without labels. The uniqueness and vagueness of their romantic affair spark off doubts and complications.
"Ang Henerasyong Sumuko sa Love" follows chronicle the life of a young adult in a world that expects too much from them.
However, Laxamana’s feature falls short in fully capitalizing its premise.
For a start, the title is misleading. It might sound cool and compelling, but the movie merely talks about love and giving up. It instead embraces the two concepts together. The film is not about submitting to indifference or antipathy. It's about how a generation discovers the many layers of love and the things they have to surrender to nourish it.
"Ang Henerasyong Sumuko sa Love" is an ode to the youths, indeed. And like the youngsters it wants to represent, the film is imperfect in many ways.
It devotes most of its time filling the narrative with frivolous and useless information. Most scenes are not value-adding to the message of the story. And all of the characters' arc closes without proper closure. That is why the film comes off as a superficial thesis of millennials.
Though, narrative-wise the film is getting there. All stories have the potential to be better. But they usually feel empty and uninspired. "Ang Henerasyong Sumuko sa Love" seems to surrender when things are about to get interesting. If only Laxamana bends it more to address other social issues and generation misconceptions, the film might have become an impactful voice of the youths.
2/5
