‘Balota’: 6 things that stood out in Marian Rivera’s first Cinemalaya film

“Balota” starring Marian Rivera has made its theatrical debut at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2024 over the weekend.

“Balota” follows a land-grabbing tycoon and a former male sexy actor who are locked in a tight race for the mayoral seat of a small town.

Marian plays the role of Emmy, a strict yet popular teacher in their small town. During the election in their town, Emmy was assigned to the Board of Election Inspectors for her local precinct. When violence erupts, she runs into the forest with a ballot box containing the last copy of the election results.

Directed by Kip Oebanda, the filmmaker behind "Liway," and "Bar Boys," "Balota" is a movie that has the perfect mixture of comedy and tension that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It is suspenseful yet satirical, with meaningful dialogue that poses a very clear message.

If you're planning to watch "Balota," here are six things that stood out to us in the film.

Marian Rivera’s acting prowess

Marian’s role as Teacher Emmy is proof of her versatility as an actress.

Far from her leading lady roles, Marian exhibited her acting range in her out-of-the-box, unfiltered, and deglamorized portrayal of the resourceful and brave Emmy. It's a role that fans of the Kapuso Primetime Queen will find riveting because it shows that she can play an unconventional character and isn't afraid to get gritty in scenes.  

With no one to save her aside from herself, Emmy uses her courage, wit, and resourcefulness as her weapons throughout "Balota," especially when she had to fight for her life against armed men and outsmart them.

Aside from Emmy's strong-willed persona, her iconic lines and unfiltered personality are also highlights in the film.

Will Ashley’s breakthrough performance

In “Balota,” we could say that Sparkle actor Will Ashley shunned away from his boy next door roles.

Will plays the character of Enzo, the son of Emmy. He was perceived as a loving yet naughty mama’s boy in the film, but there’s more to his character than that.

When violence erupted in their town, instead of running away and hiding, Enzo showed courage and fought for his and his mother’s life in the hands of evil.

The role of teachers

The role of teachers in shaping not just only the minds of their students but also the nation is evident in the film.

The movie showed that teachers are more than just teachers, but also a second parent and nurturer to their students.

More importantly, the film highlighted that teachers can serve as hope and the voice of the people in times of struggle.

The reality of elections

Throughout the film, “Balota” has reflected the sad reality of elections in the Philippines.

With poll officials being murdered, vote buying left and right, and corrupt state forces, elections in the Philippines can indeed be rife with violence.

The power of the masses

The voice of the masses can be powerful when used wisely, and “Balota” highlighted that they play a crucial role in society.

The film introduced progressive leaders who mostly came from the working class sectors fighting against poor labor conditions, corruption, killings, and other pressing societal issues.

At first, they remained ignored and unheard, but because of their collective power in addressing their grievances, they were able to make some positive changes in society in the end.

The LGBTQ+ representation

Aside from the role of the masses and teachers in the film, “Balota” has also paid tribute to the LGBTQ+ community.

Sassa Gurl and Esnyr didn't come to the movie to play. In "Balota," their characters were seen as progressive youth, joining pickets left and right, and becoming the voice of their community.

"Balota" also succeeded in showing depth to LGBTQ+ representation, as it understands that even members of the LGBTQ+ community aren't one-note individuals.

Aside from Esnyr and Sassa’s roles, there is another unexpected character you should watch out for as he deals with gender stereotypes in society.

"Balota" is currently being screened in selected Ayala Malls nationwide.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News