There's a lot being talked about in Billie and Emma, the latest film by Samantha Lee. It's a film that talks about the inherent rights of women over their own bodies. It's a film that talks about the dissonance of the words and actions of religious institutions. Like Rubyfruit Jungle - the novel that figures prominently in the film - it is a coming-of-age tale. But most importantly, and above all that, it's a love story between two girls who are only beginning to carve out their place in the world.
It's a sweet and relatable tale. Anyone who has been in a catholic school (especially an all girls school) will identify with these two girls. Everyone who has had an awkward transition fitting into a completely new environment can relate. And there are also relatable things that warm the heart: the stirrings of a newborn love. Being emotionally moved by a piece of art. A first kiss. The comfort of someone who truly loves you.
The film eases into its groove gently and tenderly, using the tropes and form of teen romance to tell a story that has been relatively underrepresented in contemporary Philippine Cinema. Perhaps one could fault it for being too on the nose at times, but it ultimately manages to avoid cliche. It's quiet and understated, but brave in the points it tries to make, and if only for that, we are all the better for it.
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