4 Days

4 Days is a fascinating 2016 Filipino drama film that captures the highs and lows of young love, blending intense emotional arcs with elements of romance, drama, and LGBT themes. The film boasts the talents of Sebastian Castro, Mikoy Morales, and Stephanie Sol in its distinct portrayal of unrequited love and friendship developed over the course of four years – all within four significant days peppered throughout.

The film is directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., a well-respected figure in the Philippine film industry known for his engaging story telling and character-driven narratives. In this case, he effortlessly weaves a story of pure love grappling with societal constructs around sexuality and societal expectations.

4 Days kicks off on Valentine's Day where we are introduced to the protagonists at a college dormitory; Mark (Sebastian Castro) and Derrick (Mikoy Morales). Mark is an openly gay student, carefree and outgoing. Derrick, on the other hand, is depicted as your typical college heartthrob – sporty, popular and apparently straight. What seems like a casual friendship at first, subtly descends into a complex emotional labyrinth as they navigate through their individual and shared experiences within the confines of the four walls of their shared dormitory.

While Mark's sexuality is clearly defined and accepted amongst his peers, Derrick's is shrouded in mystery and speculation. He walks the thin line between giving into his hidden feelings for Mark and staying within the boundaries set by societal norms. The tension is palpable as they both explore the depth of their relationship over the years.

The narrative isn't linear. Instead, the movie takes an interesting narrative structure; each of the four days are depicted as Valentine's Day spent together over the course of four consecutive years during their time at the university. The usage of Valentine's Day as a backdrop not just symbolises the idea of love, but also provides a stark contrast to the characters' personal journeys. This non-linear storytelling injects an element of intrigue, thereby making each moment a revelation in itself.

The acting performances are equally compelling. Sebastian Castro convincingly portrays Mark's challenging journey, dealing with the frustration of loving someone who fails to reciprocate his feelings openly. On the other hand, Mikoy Morales superbly depicts the internal struggle of Derrick, embodying the complexities of his character. Stephanie Sol in her supporting role, adds further color to the narrative, contributing to the dynamic nature of the story.

4 Days doesn't simply aim to evoke emotions connected to romantic love, but also profoundly depicts the social structures and prejudices that often become the hurdle in love’s path. It accurately represents the realities of love blooming within conservative societies and features a narrative landscape littered with intense emotions, unexpected instances, and moral dilemmas.

The cinematography is just as evocative as the story. It is gritty, raw, and real, perfectly capturing the contrasting ambiances of the college life and the intimate, claustrophobic setting of the dorm room. Every frame is thoughtfully assured, offering the audience an immersive visual feast.

Serving as a commentary on progressive yet traditional Filipino society and breaking the tropes of typical romantic dramas, Adolfo Alix Jr. maintains an unusually real and authentic flux throughout the film, which resonates even after the movie is over.

To conclude, 4 Days is an enthralling drama film that tells the poignant tale of unrequited love amidst the pressures of societal expectations. It impresses not only with its solid storytelling and impressive performance from its main leads, but also with the sensitivity with which it handles the nuances of LGBTQ narratives, blurred lines of friendship and love, and the complexities of navigating these in a traditional society. The film evokes empathy, understanding and is an authentic exploration of love, friendship, sexuality, and societal norms. It's a beautifully painful journey that leaves a lasting impression long after the final credits roll.