FILMMAKER Dustin Celestino exposes the ironies of political survival and the compromises of moral convictions in the Philippines’s contemporary political landscape in his full-length Cinemalaya entry “A.ni.mal.”
The film centers on the perpetuation of political dynasties, where preserving power takes precedence over integrity and justice.
One evening, Lily (Maxine Ignacio), the daughter of the mayor of San Feliciano, a fictional province, uncovers a compromising situation involving provincial governor Paul (Reymund Domingo).
After her discovery, Lily blackmails Paul and threatens to expose his corrupt and malicious actions.
The film reflects a familiar reality in Philippine politics: personal relationships, political alliances and family interests can take precedence over public responsibilities, especially when those in power have much to lose.
It also tackles ghost flood-control projects, drawing a direct parallel with controversies in the country’s political landscape.
Amid the dirty politics surrounding the plot, the film offers no truly morally upright protagonist. Instead, its characters are either morally gray or outright villainous, illustrating the choices people make when power, money and public image are at stake.
In this sense, “A.ni.mal” ironically portrays its human characters as increasingly animalistic, driven by self-interest and survival.
The film also critiques how victims of sexual harassment are often subjected to greater scrutiny while perpetrators are given the benefit of the doubt.
In the early parts of the film, Lily is portrayed as a principled protagonist who champions causes on social media. Her character, however, also illustrates how online advocacy can become performative, as the ulterior motives behind her social media activity gradually emerge.
Celestino delivers these criticisms through heavy satire and witty dialogue, using humor to make recognizable political dilemmas easier to digest while underscoring their absurdity.
The film ultimately offers a cynical portrait of Philippine politics: politicians, regardless of scandal or controversy, can survive public criticism and still attain power through the same democratic system that subjects them to scrutiny. Prince Cassel O. Trono
