DanDanSoy (2021) Episode 1: Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut)

In terms of plot/storyline, Episode 1: Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) didn't reveal much. The conflicts and tensions within the plot/storyline weren't clear yet. Be that as it may, some character backgrounds for Cardo and Nathaniel were provided. Apparently, they have different economic backgrounds. Cardo's poor while Nathaniel's a bit well-to-do. They worked together as seafarers. And they've been lovers for six years now. They're on a provincial and rural setting that was seemingly far from the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic. There were curious scenes that didn't quite fit yet like the scenes wherein Cardo was recording an instructional vlog about cooking "pakbet" or "pinakbet," an indigenous Filipino (Pinoy) dish made from mixed vegetables sautéed in fish or shrimp sauce. Screenplay was generally ok. While tentativeness was evident on some scenes, acting was still largely fine. Chemistry needs improvement though. Production technicals were a bit uneven. There were good camera shots and interesting color grading but lighting on the whole wasn't that good. There were scenes that were too dark for my liking. But overall, this pilot episode was alright.

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