Bliss is the type of film that will keep you on your toes all throughout, and leaves you dumbfounded at the end. As I’m writing this, I’m still digesting what’s happened and trying to decipher the metaphors. As director Jerold Tarog disclaimed during last night’s film screening, “It’s not a straightforward story. The key to appreciating Bliss is to see it as an experience.”
The film centers on the life of famous actress Jane Ciego (played by Iza Calzado) who is left paralyzed after an on-set accident. She’s then locked at home with her husband (TJ Trinidad) and nurse (Adrienne Vergara) who seem like they’re plotting something. Plus, eerie supernatural beings that make noises and mess with everyone’s heads and not just Jane’s.
As you watch Jane struggle to escape, you are also pulled into her story. You’ll feel her desperation, fear, and discomfort as she redundantly goes through the same day and being haunted by different people. It’s almost as if you’re stuck in the nightmarish loop with her, not knowing what’ll happen every time you wake up. And just like Jane, you pay close attention to know what the hell is going on.
Many have related that certain elements of the film are reminiscent of Christopher Nolan’s Inception. It’s a mix of fantasy and reality, flashbacks and present time. It also breaks the fourth wall somehow as you can see characters and situations that are similar to what we see in showbiz today. (e.g. the flamboyant host that mirrors Boy Abunda, Ian Veneracion’s liquor commercial) At one point, Jane even expressed how she sometimes can’t tell apart whether she’s dreaming or really acting in a scene. The cinematography and how the scenes were pieced together make for an intriguing watch from start to finish.
Meanwhile, what’s captivating about Bliss was Jane’s need to escape—from the house and the shackles and pressures of her career. Like her, we all want to know why she’s there and why she’s seeing things. We are all curious to know what’s behind every (metaphorical) door in the film.
But, as Director Lexter Palao (Audie Gemora) would say: “Ignorance is bliss.” And indeed, finding out would either give you a sense of fulfillment or leave a bad taste in your mouth. So you’re really in for a wild ride.
After watching Bliss, the first thing that friends asked was whether it deserved an X-rating from the MTRCB. It’s an intense film, yes. But all the elements—the profanities, nudity, and violence—were put there to construct good story-telling. I do think that there are parts that can be cut to tone it down so others can see it. Although overall, it’s a coherent and purposeful film.
Jerold Tarog created an American Psycho-like thriller that we have not yet seen a lot of in Filipino cinema, and it’s a promising effort. (And a total mindf*ck, if you ask us.) The casting was on-point and each actor gave justice to their characters. Iza Calzado, specifically, showed guts and intensity in her portrayal of Jane. No wonder she won Best Actress at the Osaka Asian Film Festival.
Is it worth watching and getting freaked out in the process? Definitely. Fair warning though that after you see it, you will not look at certain things, and maybe people, the same way again—that includes a bottle of lotion.
Screengrab from Bliss
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