09/09/2024
Thank you so much po 🙏🏼❤️
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Posted • Tony Labrusca’s film What You Did dives deep into the pandemic experience, capturing the emotional weight and mental strain that defined many of our lives during that time. The movie opens with Toni’s character, Arvin, dreaming about playing with his superhero dad, Flash, only to be jolted awake by a gunshot. This recurring nightmare, paired with motivational videos he watches, reflects Arvin’s inner struggle, as he continuously dreams of his father, a clear symbol of unresolved issues from his past.
The tension in Arvin’s relationship with his mother is palpable. They’re distant, emotionally and physically, as she’s living abroad with a new family. This strained dynamic adds another layer to Arvin’s loneliness, compounded when his job offer in Palawan gets pulled back due to the pandemic. The blow of losing this opportunity leaves him depressed, unable to find work, and trapped in the endless loop of pandemic isolation.
Tony’s portrayal of Arvin is a standout in the film. He nails the role of someone grappling with the weight of the pandemic, the uncertainty of life, and the struggle to maintain mental stability when everything seems to be falling apart. It’s a relatable character for many of us who felt trapped during lockdowns, dealing with job loss, anxiety, and the unresolved issues that surfaced while confined at home. You can feel Arvin’s pain, especially when there’s a lot of unhealed trauma from his past that still haunts him.
But it’s not all bleak. Ace, Arvin’s more vocal and energetic alter-ego, comes into play, offering a contrasting personality that shakes things up. Ace is everything Arvin isn’t—loud, brash, and unfiltered. Watching Ace help Arvin cope with his situation is both entertaining and heartwarming. It’s this duality between the two characters that drives much of the film’s energy. The balance between the serious undertones of Arvin’s struggles and Ace’s sometimes chaotic interventions makes for an interesting dynamic, one that keeps you hooked despite the predictability of the genre.
.labrusca
