‘About Us But Not About Us’ is a gripping theatric film masterpiece written and directed by Jun Lana, featuring the exceptional performances of Elijah Canlas and Romnick Sarmenta. The film delves into a profound conversation between a professor and his student, unraveled secrets, and a tragic suicide. It’s a masterfully written and well-executed vision that turned out to be a one-of-a kind piece in Philippine cinema.
Jun Lana’s ‘About Us But Not About Us’ is a story that portrays the relationship between a professor and his student, who happens to be an aspiring writer.
The story takes place during a seemingly civil breakfast where the two characters, despite their significant age difference, share a close bond that raises eyebrows among those around them. Both men identify as gay, but they express their sexuality in different ways. As the story unfolds, their conversation delves deeper, revealing secrets that eventually lead to the tragic suicide of the professor’s partner. Their conversation leads to a tragic and thought-provoking story that highlights the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of self-acceptance.
The film has a totally gripping storyline that will make you want for more as you watch it. Every twist and turn is perfectly curated, making the film more thrilling and addictive.
Eric and Lancelot as characters are well-established; you’ll get to know them together as their secrets are revealed. They are not particularly the type of characters you’d empathize with, but they are very humane, which makes them powerful.
The cinematography, lighting, and sound design were all on point. What stands out to me most is the color grading and the set design of the film. Being a film with two actors performing almost entirely from the first scene to the last in a single location consisting of a table and two chairs. Both the color and set design have greatly contributed to the unquiet mood of the film.
On Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas’ Acting
Romnick Sarmenta as Eric is a whole experience that simply gets better over time. His grace as a character is evident in every little thing he does and every word he says. Sarmenta’s extensive acting expertise was evident in his portrayal of Eric and his whirlwind of emotions throughout the film.
Perfect casting is when Elijah Canlas portrays the role of Lancelot as if it were written only for him. Lancelot has a deceiving character, and like a snake shedding his skin from time to time, Canlas’ lives up to every single new face that Lancelot displays.
Romnick and Elijah in one frame is an unexpected perfection of a dynamic. They are generations apart, with a huge difference in acting style, yet they get to bring us a colliding flavor that results in an astonishing act between two characters.
What ‘About Us, But Not About Us’ is really about, and why it’s a must watch
The film demands its viewers be attentive to its intricacy. It is a film that is fairly straightforward in structure yet requires a thoughtful viewpoint. It’s a tale of two people, their likeness and peculiarity. The film touches on the existentialist complexity of our mind and all that connects us, our melancholy, and the complexity of life and death.
Riveting, intricate, and addictive, ‘About Us But Not About Us,’ with its meticulously written story, perfectly chosen cast, and polished technicalities, is surely a must-watch film for the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival.
