Watch Apocalypse Child

Apocalypse Child is a 2015 drama film directed by Mario Cornejo. Set in the picturesque town of Baler, Philippines, the movie tells the story of Ford (RK Bagatsing), a surfing instructor who claims to be the son of Francis Ford Coppola due to a rumor started by his mother. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the truth is far more complicated than that.

The movie starts off slowly, with a lot of beautiful shots of Baler's beaches and surrounding countryside. We see Ford going about his day-to-day life, teaching surfing and interacting with the other locals, including his childhood friend, Rich (Archie Alemania), and his boss's wife, Chona (Ana Abad Santos). Ford's carefree existence is soon disrupted by the arrival of a documentary filmmaker named Irene (Gwen Zamora), who is interested in making a film about his supposed connection to the famous director.

As Irene begins to dig deeper into Ford's past, she uncovers secrets that threaten to unravel his entire life. We learn that Ford's mother was a former beauty queen who had an affair with Coppola during the filming of Apocalypse Now, and that Ford was conceived during this time. However, things are not as they seem, and Ford's relationship with his mother, as well as his connection to Coppola, are called into question.

The movie is a slow burn, taking its time to reveal the various layers of Ford's story. However, this allows for some wonderful character development, particularly for Ford and Chona. Ford's internal struggles with his identity and the truth of his past are expertly portrayed by Bagatsing, who gives a nuanced and layered performance. Meanwhile, Abad Santos brings depth and complexity to the role of Chona, whose own secrets and desires bubble just beneath the surface.

The themes of identity and family are central to the movie, as Ford grapples with who he really is and what his relationship with his mother means. The film also touches on the idea of forgiveness, as characters must confront their past mistakes and try to move forward. These heavy themes are balanced out by some moments of levity, particularly in the banter between Ford and Rich.

The setting of Baler is another highlight of the movie, with Cornejo capturing the natural beauty of the area in a way that feels authentic and immersive. This is contrasted with some shots of Manila, which serve to underscore the differences between Ford's past and present.

Overall, Apocalypse Child is a thoughtful and poignant film that explores complex themes with nuance and grace. It is anchored by strong performances and beautiful, evocative cinematography, which help to bring the story to life. While it may not be for everyone, those willing to invest in the slow pacing will find a rewarding and moving experience.

Apocalypse Child is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.