“The Significant Other” would be foolish to claim it offers something new. That it is cut from the same cloth as previous entries in its genre, would be an overwhelming understatement. Take note, movies about infidelity has almost become a sub-genre, itself, and this film practically aspires to be a flag bearer.
The film tells about Nicoladia (Erich Gonzales), a barrio girl who goes to the city to try her luck in modeling, after being spotted by a talent agent, while she is competing in a local beauty pageant. She meets Maxene (Lovi Poe), her idol, who would later on help her to reach her dreams. The unfolding of the proceedings comes as predictable as an overused plot can be.
There are numerous slapping moments that arrive from confrontations which audience wouldn’t find difficult to guess where they’re leading.
To the actors’ credit, the drama in which the confrontations are immersed, explodes into tacky encounters that are nevertheless, the kind of chaos, the audience would easily root for. Erotic scenes are also carried out tastefully, each scene properly motivated and isn’t done just to deliver a display of flesh. Both actresses are as seductive in their respective sensual moments with Tom Rodriguez, as they are fierce in heated conversations.
Erich Gonzales embodies a sex goddess persona–sultry and provocative in her torrid encounters with Rodriguez–but it is her inescapably fearless bearing, that makes her character soar.
Lovi Poe, can’t be dismissed, either, as she articulates her character with affectionate eloquence. She owns a scene where she catches Tom’s character in bed with someone, but chooses to keep mum and walk away unnoticed, to avoid confrontation. Poe dominates that wordless scene singularly with all the emotional intensity it requires, her pain and horror breathlessly conveyed in her facial reactions.
Rodriguez has moments of wonder where his charismatic presence is brought out largely by his inherent physical appeal, and not by his emotional commitment to the character.
More than the drama and the sensual allure the film generates, a heartfelt sentiment is what fuels ‘The Significant Other’ to thrust into attention. Chaos, drama, and sensuality, create an explosive mix of entertainment in this Joel Lamangan-helmed film, where campy confrontations and chaotic catfights utterly entertain and get the audience glued to the edge of their seat. Adorably, its the film’s touching message about love and friendship, and all the lessons we learn from them, that ultimately grants the film the power to impart a lasting and arresting experience.
RATING: 3/5
5 – Excellent
4 – Very Good
3 – Good
2 – Tolerable
1 – Terrible
‘The Significant Other’ is now showing nationwide
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