Obet (Aljur Abrenica) and Nerisa (Cindy Miranda) are two newly wed couples, so in love with each other. In flashbacks, it is revealed that their meeting can be compared to a fairy tale. Obet found her below the sea. She has no recollection of where she came from and who she was thus people believe that she might be a nymph, specifically a mermaid.
Mermaids are usually signs of bad luck. They can bring depravity and even death to a community. But Nerisa couldn’t care less of what they think. She is happy.
Until one day, Obet and a few local fishermen got into a sea accident. The townspeople quickly accuse Nerisa for this misfortune. Thrusting her into becoming the village’s pariah.
Ricky Lee and Lawrence Fajardo demonstrate their ability to make sense of the current significant social and political issues through folklore, violence, and lust.
“Nerisa” is unlike any other because it’s a brave film. It is invested in displaying the ills of society from misogyny to the systemic power imbalances brought by patriarchal social structures. Fajardo’s film plows through Nerisa’s eyes, enticing everyone to look and wince at the dark side of humanity.
But as the film suggests, there are other pressing concerns beyond the seashore. “Nerisa” is a candid protest against China for claiming territory of the West Philippine Sea. Highlighting the bullying and the ransacking faced by islanders.
Digging deeper into its narrative, “Nerisa” is also a metaphor on the continuing destruction and abuse of Mother Nature.
Fajardo’s film will not be this compelling without the dedication from its casts. Abrenica is a constant towering presence throughout the film. Whereas, Miranda plays her character with grace and modesty, until to its last act wherein she transforms to an astute, empowering, and livid woman.
Of all the films released this year, “Nerisa'' stands out as a surprise. It’s disquieting, poignant and upsetting. It’s bold with its stance and accurate at how it depicts the details of its characters' struggles.
3/5
