The indie film that could

(This appeared in the Oct.1-15 issue of The Fortnightly.)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Megahit comedy “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” distinctly fuses gender identity topics with fantasy situations, a daring combination that mostly works. Co-written by Raymond Lee, Michiko Yamamoto and director Jade Castro, the film is campy and caricaturish, and while it doesn’t pedantically lecture its viewers on sexuality and gay empowerment, it does enlighten through its creative handling of gender topics.

Its protagonist Remington (Martin Escudero) used to mock obvious and suspected gay men when he was a kid, until he was “cursed” to become a homosexual by a mourning stranger (Roderick Paulate). Just when the older Remington finds himself attracted to a pretty lass, Hannah (Lauren Young), he changes from manly kanto boy to effeminate queer almost overnight! Soon enough, he’s well-versed in gay-speak, and is sexually drawn to his male best friend, Jigs (Kerbie Zamora). He gets doubly confused when he realizes that openly gay men in his town are being targeted by a bizarre serial killer.

“Zombadings” is largely about the sudden transformation of Remington; the titular gay zombies only appear and wreak havoc much later. The film has undoubtedly sparked discussions on the genetic factors and the fluidity of sexuality, but the story declares that either you are or aren’t. Remington is, or was straight, considers gayness a burden until he discovers that it’s not bad and almost accepts it. But Hannah convinces him that he’s meant to be straight, presumably because she fancies him, so they race against the clock to find a similarly mystical solution to the “problem.”

While it often equates gayness with fey mannerisms, it still has some “butch” characters in Jigs (who can be categorized bisexual) and a few closeted men. Escudero is pleasantly surprising as the dichotomized Remington; the actor embodies the hunky teen heartthrob one minute, and the swishy, sashaying diva the next. It’s amazing that he can pull off both expressively.

Zamora is charming as the tricycle driver and Remington’s oldest buddy. He’s a little uneven, acting-wise; an important revelation during that intense staircase scene with Remington needed better delivery. Still, Escudero has more chemistry with Zamora than with Young, although the straight couple still comes off as cute and believable.

The project benefits from the involvement of Janice De Belen and John Regala, who play a cop and a panciteria owner, respectively. The actors shine as Remington’s understanding and supportive parents, and figure in some of the more absurd moments. Just as outstanding is Paulate, who plays a gay character once again, but one that’s shrouded in mystery. Eugene Domingo, as Hannah’s grieving mother, also delights with her somewhat enigmatic character.

Situations depicting Remington’s sexuality-shifting are consistently hilarious. The onslaught of the zombies, however, dampens the hilarity a bit. The climactic confrontations could’ve gone smoother, too. “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” is far from flawless, but it still mostly entertains and endears with its strange and silly take on gender identity crisis.