Note: some spoilers for Open are present in this review.
Despite the title, Andoy Ranay's Open is not really about an open relationship; it exists as a framing device to depict a very dysfunctional relationship destroyed by the inside out. It's clear from the opening scenes of the film that there is an imbalance in the relationship between Ethan (JC Santos) and Rome (Arci Muñoz): Ethan is emotionally manipulative and controlling, taking advantage of Rome's willingness to bend over backwards for him. Rome fears losing Ethan because she doesn't want to waste the 14 years they have spent together, and she has sacrificed her own self and identity because of this.
The open relationship is offered as a way for the couple to mend and examine themselves. It works for another couple in the film, but it obviously doesn't work on everybody. Still, Ethan and Rome (with a little emotional manipulation from Ethan) gives it a go. Ethan breaks the rules of the relationship almost immediately and uses it as an excuse to cheat with his boss (Ina Raymundo) while Rome spends that time finding men who are way, way better prospects than Ethan, showing her that she has a choice.
Both leads are capable, but Arci Muñoz really shines here. Her acting style may not be to everyone's taste, but she really nails it here, in what is one of her best ever performances. One particular scene near the end (also featured partly in the trailer) is so full of bubbling rage and repressed emotions that it's hard not to get carried away by her performance.
When Ethan finally gains some insight and starts to change for the better, it is far too late. The ending scene is treated like a hugot moment, but to be honest it felt liberating, even cathartic. In this sense, "Open" can mean something else: the openness that this relationship lacked, or the open-endedness of a future filled with possibilities.
Despite the title, Andoy Ranay's Open is not really about an open relationship; it exists as a framing device to depict a very dysfunctional relationship destroyed by the inside out. It's clear from the opening scenes of the film that there is an imbalance in the relationship between Ethan (JC Santos) and Rome (Arci Muñoz): Ethan is emotionally manipulative and controlling, taking advantage of Rome's willingness to bend over backwards for him. Rome fears losing Ethan because she doesn't want to waste the 14 years they have spent together, and she has sacrificed her own self and identity because of this.
The open relationship is offered as a way for the couple to mend and examine themselves. It works for another couple in the film, but it obviously doesn't work on everybody. Still, Ethan and Rome (with a little emotional manipulation from Ethan) gives it a go. Ethan breaks the rules of the relationship almost immediately and uses it as an excuse to cheat with his boss (Ina Raymundo) while Rome spends that time finding men who are way, way better prospects than Ethan, showing her that she has a choice.
Both leads are capable, but Arci Muñoz really shines here. Her acting style may not be to everyone's taste, but she really nails it here, in what is one of her best ever performances. One particular scene near the end (also featured partly in the trailer) is so full of bubbling rage and repressed emotions that it's hard not to get carried away by her performance.
When Ethan finally gains some insight and starts to change for the better, it is far too late. The ending scene is treated like a hugot moment, but to be honest it felt liberating, even cathartic. In this sense, "Open" can mean something else: the openness that this relationship lacked, or the open-endedness of a future filled with possibilities.
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