Kalel, 15

Kalel, 15, directed by Jun Robles Lana and released in the Philippines in 2019, is an uncompromising exploration of the difficult reality faced by many young people across the globe. The film stars Elijah Canlas as the lead role, Kalel, alongside commendable performances by other known stars, including veteran actors Eddie Garcia and Jaclyn Jose.

The narrative of the movie centers on its titular protagonist, Kalel, a 15-year-old boy growing up in a traditional, religious family in Manila. Kalel's life takes a drastic turn when he is diagnosed with HIV. The film skillfully intertwines the themes of family, religion, adolescence, and the contemporary risk of HIV, within the framework of a society that is bound by stringent norms and judgment.

One of the first things that grab your attention in Kalel, 15 is the mesmerizing performance of its young star. Elijah Canlas, despite his tender age, astounds with his portrayal of a young man wrestling with confusion, pain, rejection, and the struggle of growing up in an unaccommodating society. His soulful portrayal imbues the character with a singular combination of subtlety and intensity that carries the story forward.

Veteran actors Eddie Garcia and Jaclyn Jose lend their stellar performances too. They embody characters that are emblematic of the strict and conventional society that often turns a blind eye towards the harsh realities that clash with their internalized beliefs and norms.

The film does not shy away from delving deep into the complexities of life with HIV. It navigates the emotional turmoil and the stigma with deft realism, illuminating the physical and psychological implications of the condition that extend beyond the person afflicted by it. At the same time, crucial issues like safe sex, education, and awareness surrounding HIV are also subtly addressed throughout the narrative without resorting to preachiness.

Through the character of Kalel, the film paints a vivid image of youth caught in the complexities of an intricate world, grappling with the challenges of adolescence, the constraints of a conventional society, the bondages of religion, and the ignominy of a misunderstood and stigmatized medical condition. It explores themes of self-discovery, alienation, and rebellion, all woven together in the tapestry of Kalel's life.

The city of Manila is central to this narrative and serves as more than a mere backdrop. Its energy, its vibrancy, and its contrastingly harsh realities shape the contours of the characters and their lived experiences. The city with all its chaos and silence becomes a vital character in the film, encapsulating the youthful exuberance and the grim realities co-existing in its heartbeat.

The film’s contextualization within a highly religious and traditional society amplifies its overall impact. The societal norms and pressures, the silent judgments, and the rigid tenets of faith that infuse Kalel’s world further underscore the magnitude of his struggles and the courage required to navigate through them.

Kalel, 15 speaks to the audience through a narrative that is as raw as it is poetic. The visual storytelling employed in the film, through its beautiful cinematography, perfectly captures the dichotomy of Kalel's dilemma and the larger societal context. The color palette, the camera angles, and the intricate details all contribute to the overlying theme of beauty amidst despair.

This film is not intended to entertain in the regular sense. Instead, it aims to provoke thought, generate discussions, and ignite an understanding for the countless unnamed and unknowns facing similar struggles across the world. Its social commentary is a sobering reminder of the need for better sex education, greater acceptance and empathy towards people dealing with HIV, and a more humane and understanding society overall.

Kalel, 15 is a touching, insightful and deeply moving film. It succeeds in challenging perceptions, breaking stereotypes, and initiating dialogue about an issue that society often chooses to overlook. It is a meaningful cinematic experience that leaves the audience with much to think about long after the credits roll.