The different flavors of ‘Kusina’

"Kusina" has all the ingredients of an intriguing film: cooking elements, talented actress Judy Ann Santos, and a Palanca award-winning screenplay by Cenon Palomares. But, as with dishes served in a restaurant, sometimes the descriptions on the menu doesn’t guarantee that you'll get what your palate expected.

An entry to Cinemalaya 2016, “Kusina” revolves around Juanita, a woman whose love and passion for cooking dates back to her childhood, up to the time she reaches old age. As Juanita evolves as a person, so does the kitchen as it changes from workshop to refuge to prison.

“Gusto ko yung iba-iba 'yung lasa—may matamis, maasim, maalat, mapait,” said young Juanita to her lola when asked what she wants to cook as her first dish, foreshadowing the events to come. Indeed, life tastes differently at every turn, with love and tragedy always simmering in a pot nearby.

Experimental

While the narrative proceeds in a linear manner, spanning different stages in Philippine history, what makes Kusina exceptional is the way the story is bravely told.

Whereas moviegoers are already spoiled for choice with drone shots and visual medley of indoor and outdoor shots, "Kusina" plants itself firmly inside the four walls of a kitchen stage, guided by minimal lighting changes by Lee Briones-Meily. As in a stage play, the characters wear uniforms more than wardrobe and literally exit the curtain to end each act.  And as the plot thickens, time and space meld into a confusing blurry broth.

The last time I saw a film told this way is Lars von Trier’s experimental film “Dogville” that starred Nicole Kidman.

Watching Dogville in the big screen nine years ago required a different lens from the audience. The same can be said for "Kusina."

Judy Ann Santos plays role of Juanita, a woman passionate about cooking

If you’re not a fan of experimental films, expect to squirm on your seats and itch to step out for some air. Yet this claustrophobic feeling is exactly what the film’s experimental form wants to achieve.

Imagine being locked in a person’s labyrinthian mind that shuts off everything else. The only relief comes whenever Juanita opens the stove and steam floats from the pot into the air.

Searching for crumbs

There are different ways of watching a film, the usual way being looking at the plot. The second way is watching out for nuances and textures, and picking clues like crumbs.

"Kusina" is not your usual, comfort food. It may not be delicious, but if you must watch, come with a refined palate. — AT, GMA News

Kusina premieres on August 9, 2016, 6:15 p.m. at the CCP Main Theater. Cinemalaya runs from August 5 to 14.