A nuanced take on queer intimacy

Symbolic and a macabre--exactly what we're used to from Filipino indie cinema. I liked it; it's a daring and nuanced take on the dangers that young queer people must face when navigating hook-up culture. Unlike their straight peers, who can happily frolic out in the open, the gay dating scene is shrouded in secrecy. It is in dark allies and dingy bathrooms that guys connect with the strangers they've met online-- and just like the city of Manila doesn't bat an eye at the decomposing bodies littering their streets, nobody really seems to care about these young gay men risking their lives in the pursuit of intimacy either.

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Pornography disguised as social commentary

A landscape photographer finds himself entangled in some nefarious forest business: what was meant to be a search for some rare local flower turns out to be a trip fraught with mysterious murders, crazed women, and sexy jungle fairies. When he finally uncovers the true nature of those he meets in the woods--animal poachers, unauthorized loggers, and murderous human traffickers--he is must choose what he deems more important: his safety or his morality.

"Virgin Forest" could have been a story about sexual exploitation, environmental politics, and the need for restorations; but instead the movie ends up spending most of its screen time on sultry forest spirits, scarcely-clad sex workers, and waterfall-themed orgies. Any attempt at meaningful social commentary is overshadowed by erotica, and I wish the director had committed to making this either a full-fledged porno or a proper art house film-- because this weird combination is just messy.

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