The much-anticipated annual film festival in the Philippines, Cinemalaya, marked its official opening on August 4 with a screening of "Marupok AF (Where Is The Lie?)."
Directed by Quark Henares, the film boasts a stellar cast including EJ Jallorina, Maris Racal, and Royce Cabrera in the lead roles.
Prior to the event, the film also appeared at the 39th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (where it won Special Jury Recognition), the Slamdance Film Festival, and the 22nd New York Asian Film Festival.
At its heart, the narrative revolves around Janzen Torres (EJ), a hopeless romantic who stumbles upon a potential love interest, Theo Balmaceda (Royce), through a dating app. Yet, as the plot unfurls, Theo mysteriously vanishes on the day of their long-awaited meet-up, leading Janzen into a web of deceit and catfishing orchestrated by the cunning Beanie Landridos (Maris).
Born from an actual account (unveiled in a comprehensive thread by Jzan Tero), this dark comedy-thriller embarks on an exploration of multifaceted themes. It delves into the realm of online dating, weaving a tale of deception and catfishing, while magnifying the issues of transphobia, the potency of social media, cancel culture, and, most prominently, empowerment.
However, this cinematic work is far more than just a source of entertainment; it serves as a poignant reflection of a pervasive reality. Within its frames, "Marupok AF" unravels the intricate threads of transphobia that continue to weave their way through the tapestry of Philippine society.
As the story unfolds, "Marupok AF" navigates the complex dynamics of relationships poisoned by falsehoods, exposing the emotional toll of these betrayals. One powerful scene encapsulates the moment Theo, intending to meet Janzen, chooses to "ghost" her instead.
Prior to that, a barrage of hateful words is hurled at Janzen, followed by an abrupt block. These heart-wrenching instances illuminate the constant battle for acceptance and love that Janzen, representative of the LGBTQIA+ community, faces in a world marred by incessant bullying.
The film's narrative doesn't shy away from engaging with significant real-world events. The juxtaposition of scenes highlighting former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial pardon of US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton, convicted in the death of transgender woman Jennifer Laude, serves as a stark reminder of the systemic discrimination faced by the transgender community.
Moreover, the unjust discrimination that Janzen encounters when using a "female" bathroom speaks volumes about the hurdles transgender individuals continue to surmount.
'Marupok AF' culminates with the exposure of Beanie's deception, a feat accomplished through the amplified voice of social media. The ensuing consequences see the characters finding their rightful places — Beanie's downfall is catalyzed by an online "cancellation," and Dennis (Theo's true identity) reclaims positivity after revealing the truth to Janzen. Janzen's courage to unveil her own ordeal becomes a rallying cry, inspiring others who fell victim to Beanie's schemes to follow suit.
The film's exploration of social media's transformative potential is particularly noteworthy. It spotlights how the digital realm can amplify once-muted voices, providing marginalized communities with a platform for their narratives to flourish, promoting inclusivity, and challenging deeply ingrained inequalities.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the indispensable contributions of EJ, Maris, and Royce, whose exceptional performances breathe life into the characters, rendering the film all the more captivating — particularly for the Gen Z audience.