Film Review #2: Dito at Doon (2021)

JP Habac once again hit us right-in-the-feels with his newest film, Dito at Doon (Here and There), which was released locally through online platforms on March 31.

Since the first trailer of it was shown to the public months ago, it already piqued my interest from the get-go. I knew back then that this movie will reflect what has life been for most of us amid this pandemic, so I was curious how they would encapsulate the experience and unfold the ending. We know TBA Studios loves to leave us hanging, right? So I was thinking in what way Dito at Doon will bring us to that point as well.

Disclaimer though, if you haven't seen the movie and you're already here, you might want to stop reading now. Even though I'll do my best not to spoil anything, I might fail doing so since I might get carried away with explaining scenes that I particularly loved. So, do yourself a favor: buy that ticket and enjoy watching first. But, I still hope you'll come back here should you need a piece dissecting the movie.

Characters on-point

Janine Gutierrez as Len and JC Santos as Caloy or Cabs are both relatable. I'm sure we all have a Len in mind who is/are as all-knowing and opinionated to the point of claiming their thoughts are the absolute truth, specially on social media. Those people who don't back down with what they're fighting for, even if they obviously missed the bigger picture of things. While on the other hand, there's Caloy, who might not be as knowledgeable as Len with the current events or policies, but knows the real scenario outside as they're experiencing first-hand the challenges of having to make a living in the midst of this global health crisis.

Of course, we might have come across Jo and Mark in our lives, who mostly just long on seeing each other again. Some might think that their characters are shallow, but in reality, they mirror what we've all been feeling most of the time. Even though it's not from our partner or special someone, we also yearn for cuddles, hugs, kisses, and just physical connection from people who matter the most to us. Not to mention that Jo and Mark did well in portraying as bestfriends to Len. Them being straightforward and honest, even if it probably hurts Len's pride and ego. That's what friends should be, right? They're your confidant, ally, empathizer and sympathizer, yes. But, they should also be your check-and-balance or reality-checker whenever you tend to get lost in being full of yourself.

I also love the character development of Len -- how she eventually opened up to Caloy and allowed herself to be happy with what they have in the process. Meanwhile, Caloy's persona is a reminder that being cheerful and enthusiastic might be a coping mechanism for one's deeper longing, so there will really be a time when you'd snap out of it and face the reality again head-on.

Timely plot

The film accurately depicted most of us, being forced into different types of community quarantine (from ECQ, MECQ, GCQ, MGCQ, and NCR+ bubble): the Dalgona coffee making; learning to cook or bake; being a plantita/plantito; having inuman sessions with our friends via videocalls (which we now call as 'e-numan'); trying out dating apps; and so on. I couldn't help laughing in most parts because of its relatability. I know there are a lot more things they could have added, like the chicken wings or ube pandesal most of us grew fond of, but it was just enough for me. I mean, it's just the right amount of reference to our usual daily lives, specially during the initial stages of the lockdown.

I also appreciate the film's attempt to show aspects such as people being keyboard warriors on social media, the trolls, and even the shout-out to our incompetent government. While it aimed to mostly reflect the human experience, it didn't forget to include our frustration to the country's messed up system and leaders.

Further commendations

As for the technical aspects, I loved the cinematography and musical scoring, as they weren't overboard and overwhelming. I acknowledge the use of color in setting the mood as well as the internal struggles of the characters, particularly in parts showing Len and her mother. I appreciate the way the scenes were crafted to reflect whose perspective is being taken into consideration at that moment (i.e. when Len and Caloy had video calls, the set presented varies depending who is being reached out to or whose sentiments needed to be highlighted). In terms of music, it is an understatement to mention that Ben&Ben's Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin fits perfectly with the overall direction and vibe of the film.

Coming to terms with the ending

As much as I wanted to have it in another way, I know deep in me that it was just what it should be. People who experienced that would agree with me, I believe. I'm relieved JP Habac treaded on that path, something that best mirrors the situation that we're still in. The void we're feeling in the end, it's up to us to fill it in whichever way that suits us best.

Further, kudos to everyone who worked for Dito at Doon. The movie didn't have to be too heavy of a drama to make us realize the importance of communication with people we dearly love in these trying times. It wasn't pretentious when it showed the things we've been doing and trying to do to keep our sanity in the uncertainty that we're in.

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