In Leonor’s mundane life, nothing can give her the adrenaline and the serotonin like a good story of a macho man fist-fighting goons and saving a damsel in distress. So one day, she decided to enter a film competition. She pulls out an old chest, and inside it is an unfinished screenplay entitled "Ang Pagbabalik ng Kwago" (The Return of the Owl). It is about a man named Ronwaldo (Rocky Salumbides) and his pursuit to find the killer of his brother. Along the way, the brawny hero meets and falls in love with Isabella (Rea Molina). A young woman working in a bar and the romantic partner of the town’s vicious mayor.
As the old woman works on her screenplay, a television suddenly falls on her head, putting her into a coma. During her deep sleep, she is sent into the film she’s working on, meeting the characters she created and becoming an interloper in her own story.
Unable to come to terms with her mother’s state, Rudie decided to finish the screenplay Leonor was writing in the hopes that it would help her wake up.
"Leonor Will Never Die" is Martika Ramirez Escobar’s first feature film. It is also 8 years in the making, undergoing a lot of changes through time. They even call this film "Bird’s Eye" at one point.
No doubt that "Leonor Will Never Die" is the perfect title for such a story that’s brimming with life and energy. Sheila Francisco, who plays Leonor, easily owned this film with her never-say-die spirit and passion for action films. She’s the unlikely action star that everyone will root for and love without throwing any kicks or punches. Complementing her is a group of very talented actors, such as Rocky Salumbides, Anthony Falcon, Alan Bautista, Bong Cabrera, and Rea Molina. The mix of young and old talents makes for an entertaining feature.
Although it’s composed of a terrific cast, the real charm of this film is its loving homage to classic Filipino action films of the 70’s and 80’s, complete with hysterical sound effects, oily abs, suave sunglasses, and cheeky song-and-dance numbers. It's an awe-inducing sight to see. The production design is truly amazing, and the nuances in the cinematography can transport you back in time.
Of course, the film will never be this good if there is no lesson or commentary to be found in the aesthetics. "Leonor Will Never Die" quips on violence that exists in the media and challenges the necessity of it. What message does a hero killing a villain send to the viewers? Does it justify the violence? When will it be enough? Leonor guides the audience through her mind while dodging bullets and subconsciously writing and criticizing lines. Eventually it asks, should we really root for the strongman?
"Leonor Will Never Die" draws a straight line connection from violence in the media to film production safety and corporal punishment on children. Although these topics are just mere mentions in the film, they were still able to amplify the message the film wanted to send. Escobar’s film gives us glimpses into the consequence of not being critical in the way we consume media. We frequently accepted and normalized ultramasculine films like "Ang Pagbabalik ng Kwago" without questioning their profound and long-lasting social impact. And as it turns out, it may desensitize people and may breed more aggression in the future.
Just like sex, violence in the media also sells. In the film, Leonor and her husband, Valentin (Alan Bautista), were part of a very successful action film before. Valentin’s star power helps him to sell his image to the public and to run in politics effortlessly. This is a very common scene in the Philippine political landscape. Although this also comes across as a salutation in the story, it makes note of the fact that actors who have turned to politics have a higher chance of winning. It highlights the impact of cinema on society, the exploitation of power-hungry people in a patriarchal system, and the ability of these people to influence others' perceptions.
Aside from the criticism of violence, "Leonor Will Never Die" is an examination of a mother's broken relationship with her son. It looks into the barrier built between them by personal tragedies. It underlines the need to communicate to resolve problems and the extent that a son would go to protect his mother and vice versa. It’s blithesome despite the deep epiphany it undertakes, which actually helps the viewers to ease into the two’s bond and love so easily.
Above all else, "Leonor Will Never Die" showcases a unique approach to storytelling. From the double meta narrative to using frames, colors, and tunes to oscillate between different realities. There’s a sense that the film is alive as it converses and discusses with the audience in writing and rewriting Leonor’s story. It talks to the viewers about the possibilities of giving it different endings. And it even dared to show the film’s editing and shooting process. Needless to say, it beats a heart and it surely doesn’t want to die. So in the end, even if the credits have already rolled, Leonor’s journey feels like it never reaches a conclusion. It feels like Leonor lives on without the guide of a director or a writer. Never again bounded by a screen. Because she finally owns her story.
4/5
