I never knew the topic of the film Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing) is not lighthearted nor happy. Well yeah probably because the movie is animated that's why... Well I just had to write this review now because the film's topic can be infuriating, shocking and depressing.
Warning: SPOILER Alert
♣️ Main Cast
◙ Carlo Aquino plays Eric
An animator who seems mute to the world and is "wanted" by an alien.
◙ Gio Gahol plays Carlo.
Eric's work colleague and eventual love interest.
◙ Dolly de Leon plays Rosalinda
Eric's mom.
♣️ Trailer & Summary
A "mute" animator is prompted by his mom to check on her brother. From there Eric starts seeing "aliens" and such again. Eventually the "otherworldly adventure" that began since childhood finally ends.
♣️ Artgirl's Review
I woke up today because of a "nightmare" no thanks to this film. It is not a pleasant way to wake up to a mind scenario of slightly being violated. Would you be happy to have a disgusting incident happening to you in your head just before you're awake? Ah this is what I get for not reading or watching any of the reviews before I watched the film.
Last night I saw this on Netflix so I excitedly clicked on it and thought I'd enjoy watching it. This is why I don't usually like having expectations before seeing a movie. Alas, I got disappointed.
◙ Characters and Story
If you haven't watched the movie then don't watch it without knowing anything about it. Like WTF it should have a phrase or something like trigger warning in the trailer. Seriously.
Why am I getting all annoyed and such over it, you might ask. The film is about sexual abuse of a child by an adult relative. Would you be happy about that? All the while the child grew up without being able to speak out until the molester uncle died! Is being sexually molested even in your dreams something you would like to wake up to?
Thank the Lord such never happened to you or me but if you think being abused by a supposedly trusted relative is not happening somewhere out there, think again. We can be paranoid for our children because there are depraved people out there. If we can't even trust our family members and relatives then what do you think will happen?
Do you know what happens to a sexual abuse victim? They become fearful and untrusting towards others. They feel dirty and depressed because of being violated, like they have been left out in the cold without no one to love them. And then they can also feel anger, a resentment that runs really deep because of the pain they feel.
Iti Mapukpukaw movie poster | image source
In the film you will definitely see the effects of such an evil situation on the victim as an adult. Hallucination, imagination, sexually immoral tendencies, etc. At the end of the movie the viewer will understand why the story and visuals is like that. Yes it's simple enough to understand, nothing complex or gravely shocking but it can affect you to the core if you are sensitive.
Iti Mapukpukaw does offer closure at the end but still, to live for decades with hidden trauma is not fun. Someone will definitely relate to the characters in the movie. Either way, viewers will feel pity for victims of sexual abuse after seeing the artsy film. One can even feel anger because of the situation. As mentioned, it should have a trigger warning!
It is unfortunate that there is nothing about God in the film. The story is filled with aliens and hallucinations plus the heavy toll of mental anguish of the sexual abuse victim and their effect to the people around them.
So what can we do as viewers who become exposed to the pain and grave sin of sexual immorality? Oh wait, first let's think about why sexual abuse of a child is a grave sin:
- 1 . The person violates God's 6th commandment.
- 2 . Such actions go against Jesus' warning about exposing or causing children to sin.(Matthew 18:6)
Even just learning about what happened to a movie character can expose us to their trauma, what more when someone is a victim in real life? This is why as Catholics (and even Christians) we have to pray for the conversion of those deeply "controlled" by the demons of lust. They cause damage and pain to people they abuse including those the victims interact with in the future. Thus this dirty "feeling" after watching the film must be washed away by praying for victims and perpetrators of sexual immorality.
If you think praying is useless, then you have never known the miracles that God and Mama Mary has done in other people's lives. Many victims of the demons of lust have been freed and helped by God through Mama Mary. Even someone with severe nicotine addiction was healed when they sincerely repented and called upon the Lord. Glory to God in the highest!
The Holy Trinity is stronger than any pagan god, demon and evil spirits out there. Even our guardian angels are stronger than Satan, just ask any Catholic exorcist priest! And Mama Mary is so loathed by demons because they cannot stand her purity! Thus even just a look from her will cause evil spirits to scuttle away and flee. (Info from life of St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes)
So whenever you can, say a prayer for people who are addicted to sex or any form of sexual immorality. If you are one of them who cannot get rid of your sinful sexual habits (masturbation, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, porn addiction, pedophilia, etc.) then pray the rosary. Ask for Mama Mary's help as you repent so she can make you a better person who doesn't violate the 6th Commandment of God. In case you or anyone you know is a victim, I pray that your experience will eventually bring you closer to the Lord.
Eric in his room. | film still source
But hey, don't get too disappointed with the film because love conquers all. A mother's love can make a lot of difference in people's lives. Finding compassion and care from a fellow human being outside of family is also a blessing from God. This is the saving grace of the movie's story. And it's quite relatable as I experienced it recently as well. True caring and kindness (universal love) from someone can really make a big difference in a person's life.
◙ Acting
Because it's a form of animation superimposed or based on actual videos, you can still clearly see the human expressions. Of course they chose Carlo Aquino for his expressive eyes. Well he did a good job indeed as the character Eric. I say the producers chose the right performers to act in this movie.
◙ Animation, Design & Music
It's definitely an artsy film but as mentioned, don't let the wonderful art get to you. The story is unpleasant and can hit you where you least expect it. Good thing it is visually appealing enough otherwise I wouldn't even watch it if I knew the story beforehand.
As for the visual design, like the alien, mothership, robots and such... Well it's fine, nothing fancy or mindblowing. It serves its purpose as the story progresses. As for the music, well as you can hear in the trailer, it is fresh and upbeat. Other than that everything blends well.
♣️ Rating
Overall it is a visually good film but I really don't like the movie subject. Actually if I could turn back time and not watch it I would. Haha. But anyway it's over and done. My eyes enjoyed watching but my mental health did not feel good afterwards. 😅
Anyway let me break up the rating instead, to be fair. From a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest:
- Characters & Story: 6
- Acting: 10
- Animation, Design & Music: 9
FINAL RATING: 8.33
Well there it is, still gets a high rating despite me not liking the story. Sexual abuse is a disgusting topic yet the film bravely tried to entertain whoever watches. Unfortunately it does not make viewers feel good as soon as you reach the end. Oh well.
Have you seen the film or not yet? Care to share your thoughts?
XOXO,
