'Firefly' REVIEW: Made with Care
‘Firefly’ REVIEW: Made with Care
Ysabel Ortega (left) and Euwenn Mikaell (right) in Firefly. Taken from the official trailer via Youtube
Adventure, at its core, is a spirit so authentic and ideal, yet persistent in its challenges. It’s a feeling preciously housed in Zig Dulay’s latest outing, Firefly. Coming off the heels of his critically acclaimed Cinemalaya short, Black Rainbow, Dulay gives his audience something to vie and cry for, in a film that may be child-like, but earnest and mature in its storytelling.
Firefly takes place from the eyes of Tonton (Euwenn Mikaell), the bullied son of poor Bicolana mother Elay (Alessandra De Rossi). The film opens quite well, showing its audience how modest yet beaten its caring protagonist is by the world around him. He’s bullied for his meekness, and his fear of dogs teases at much of what’s to come. But for the time being, Tonton is faced with a shock of surprise when his mother reveals to him that she will die from terminal cancer. It’s a surprise that comes from the fact that they, and the audience, are promised that for Tonton to find his bravery, it will come from traveling to the faraway land of Ticao, down in Bicol territory, to make a wish in the cave of fireflies. Elay’s death follows, and the adventure begins.
At the core of this film is a children’s tale which Tonton and Elay preserve as a tale spoken in parts and in text through a sketchbook. It’s the plot device which allows Zig Dulay to continue his trend of situating adventure through locales with the endearingly sweet road film that follows. This element is what keeps a film of two acts tightly bound together. Tonton escapes aboard a bus to Sorsogon, and his street-smarts leave him stranded with three different strangers, Mang Louie (Epy Quizon), Billy (Miguel Tanfelix), and Erika (Ysabel Ortega). Each has their own reasons for being on the bus, but these are explored as much as the film can suffice. After all, it’s Tonton’s adventure, and these three are taken along for the ride.
Alessandra da Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell in Firefly. Taken from the official trailer via Youtube
Not often does a Filipino children’s film pierce an adult heart like Firefly does. A film so eager and heartwarming shouldn’t be this potent to all audiences, but its writing takes careful lengths to show that a film made right can tap into the yearning sensibilities its audience possessed at some point. In that way, the film’s story speaks of how strong of a force communities can be in the success of others. What Firefly speaks well to its audience is a form of sincere storytelling that fully evokes the ageless feeling of adventure.
Powered by riveting performances across the board, Firefly’s message also succeeds because of great acting from start to finish. Euwenn Mikaell’s Tonton is what makes all these reviewer’s aforementioned remarks possible, as his performance provides a nice foundation for every other actor to follow in stride. It’s also accentuated by a rather simple, but modest editing, which does just enough to make the film feel adorable to sit through. Details like these are what make the film work all the way to the end: in Tonton’s goal of honoring his mother’s pact, and in finding out his other truths. In short, a seriously effective tearjerker.
(As an aside, no other thoughts will be dedicated to the present-day portion of this film other than it is unnecessary. This reviewer has seen enough of Dingdong Dantes in Rewind and would like to especially note the age-growth change of a character played by Epy Quizon to Jaime Fabregas as being really, really funny.)
Firefly is currently on its theatrical run as part of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, extended until January 14.
