Why Linlang triggered the Filipino psyche

By Jellyn Gueco

In the past few weeks, I couldn't go anywhere without hearing about the Amazon Prime suspense-thriller Linlang. Even my family and friends based abroad—from America to the Middle East—would randomly ask me whether I've watched this Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu starrer, giving rave reviews and recommendations.

 When Episode 9 and 10 were released, my FOMO (fear of missing out) kicked in so I finally succumbed to the hype and binge-watched the series. And as you can probably guess, I was instantly hooked. I was one of the many fans waiting for the series finale at 12 midnight on the day the last two episodes came out.

But what is it about this series that has captured the attention of Filipinos all over the world, sparking widespread conversations and emotional, almost violent, reactions among viewers?

At surface level, it may seem like your garden-variety infidelity plot, but when you immerse yourself in the show, you realize that Linlang is more like a spider's web. 

Much like a web's intricate and captivating designs, it draws you into its narrative and holds you tight, making it nearly impossible to break free. The characters, their relationships, and the unpredictable plot twists are all woven together in a way that resonates deeply with the Filipino psyche, leaving the viewers yearning for more.

Infidelity from the husband's perspective

While most Pinoy dramas tell the story of a husband cheating on his wife with another woman and showing the wife's pain, Linlang takes a different route. In the series, washed-up boxer Victor (Paulo Avelino) gets cheated on by his wife, Juliana (Kim Chiu), while he was working as a seaman abroad. And the worst part? It was with his own brother, Alex (JM De Guzman) who’s far more successful and intelligent than him.

This premise alone adds a layer of complexity to the story as it flips the traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Typically, Filipino men are portrayed as the ones doing the cheating, and while this has been somewhat "normalized" in our culture, the idea of the wife cheating is still something not openly discussed and accepted. Linlang bravely tackles this taboo topic and explores the emotions and struggles of a husband who has been betrayed, giving a refreshing perspective to viewers. 

Bold and imperfect choices of the characters

As mentioned, infidelity is already a very common plot, overused even, especially when it comes to Filipino movies and series. What sets 'Linlang' apart however are the bold choices made by the creators in terms of character development and actions. The characters are like amplified, exaggerated versions of what one would typically see in a drama, sometimes bordering on the unbelievable. Yet, the actors' performances are so compelling that they become believable.

The character of Kim Chiu, for instance, is a mix of brazenness, motherly love, and extreme idiocy. At times, you can't help but feel sorry for her, but most times, you just feel infuriated and frustrated at what she’s doing. 

Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, who plays Amelia, effectively portrays the mother of Alex and Victor. At the beginning of the series, she is the quintessential archetype of the formidable mother-in-law but as the story progresses, we see different layers to her character that makes you want to hate her and love her at the same time.

These characters are far from perfect. They make mistakes and questionable decisions, but their imperfections only add to the realism of the story. It shows that real people are not black or white but more than fifty shades of gray. That no matter how flawed an individual is, they have their own inner turmoil and issues.

It also doesn't hurt that most of the cast gave stellar performances. Aside from the main cast, supporting actors Kaila Estrada, Heaven Peralejo and Albie Casiño are in my view the unexpected gems of the series, delivering strong and nuanced performances. They may not have as much airtime as the main leads, but they definitely made the most out of this opportunity. 

Exploring themes like infertility, annulment, blended families, and domestic abuse

It's very rare for a drama to have so many side themes and still come out as cohesive and not overwhelming for viewers. But Linlang managed to do just that, making sure to touch on several issues many Filipinos experience without being preachy or overbearing.

The infertility storyline involving Sylvia (played by Kaila Estrada), Alex's wife, is not only heart-wrenching but also a poignant reflection of the reality many couples go through. It also highlights the added pressure and stigma that women face when it comes to bearing children in a marriage.

Other themes like how Pinoy blended families work, the process of annulment in the Philippines, and how domestic abuse starts lend the story depth and fortitude. While not the main focus of the plot, these underlying themes offered viewers valuable insight into these pressing issues, bringing attention to their existence in our society.

While Linlang will not be the last drama that will tackle infidelity, it will surely be one that will remain unforgettable for some time. Lines like “Kung mayroong kailangang isusi, i-padlock, at itali ng barb wire, 'yan ay 'yung panty mo!” deliver memorable and powerful punchlines that fans would quote and remember. With its sharp writing, incredible performances, and overall execution,  Linlang has set the bar high for future Filipino dramas. I won't be surprised if avid viewers clamor for a second season.

Linlang is available on Amazon Prime.