Ang Lalake sa Parola has big, big potential. Director Joselito Altarejos could’ve steered this film in a different direction and possibly created a masterpiece. “…Parola” chronicles the journey of Mateo (Harry Laurel), a lighthouse caretaker in a rural town, and Jerome (Justine De Leon), a gay man from the city who seduces the naïve Mateo into a homoerotic relationship.
The plot is deceptively simple yet emotionally complex. It’s a symbolic take on how homosexuality exists even in the most remote corners of society. The myth about fairies serves as significant parallelism to the film’s central theme. And that might be the issue—the film is so full of parallelisms that it fails to deliver a cohesive storyline, resulting in a rather confusing finale.
Probably the best thing about this film is the lead actor. Harry Laurel delivered an incredibly strong performance, especially considering this was his first feature film. His subtle approach to each scene felt natural and believable—you’ll find yourself rooting for him. His slight accent added depth to Mateo’s naïveté, and his occasionally awkward, almost deer-in-the-headlights expressions were oddly charming, fitting the character perfectly.
Justine De Leon, on the other hand, felt a bit forced. While his character was meant to come off as discreet upon arriving in the small town, that restraint quickly faded. He became clingy and overly needy, which didn’t quite align with what the role seemed to demand.
Overall, the film was okay. It may suffer from a weak structure and rely too heavily on symbolism in an attempt to appear intellectually deep, but those flaws are forgivable. The intent was there, and the film still manages to communicate the message it set out to deliver. So yes—despite its shortcomings, it’s still an okay film.
Director: Joselito Altarejos
Starring: Harry Laurel, Justine De Leon, Jennifer Lee, Crispin Pineda, Allan Paule, Sheree, Richard Quan, Dexter Doria
Rating: 6/10
PADDYLAST INC. 