The coming-of-age film from writer and director Dolly Dole is currently available on Netflix. Dole decided to set the story in the early 2000s, citing a “simplification of life” due to the absence of social media. So, did he and co-writer John Carlo Pacara successfully evoke that time period?
18th Rose: Stream or skip?
Synopsis: Jordan (Kyle Echari) travels to the Philippines with his mother, feeling upset about being away from his American father. He encounters Rose (Xyriel Manabat), and their initial interaction is tense. However, when Rose proposes to help him earn her father’s approval, he agrees to a small payment for her assistance in managing her debut into society. As they work together, their relationship shifts from friendly to romantic.
Reminds you of: 18th Rose definitely carries that classic 2000s teen movie aura, bringing to mind many memorable moments from that era.
Performance highlight: Manabat delivers an impressive performance alongside her more seasoned counterpart, Echari, artfully navigating Rose’s transformation from a carefree girl to a young woman facing adult challenges.
Sex and skin: The film maintains a level of modesty, following the tradition set by its predecessors, steering clear of explicit scenes.
Our thoughts: Nostalgia for the 2000s has a certain appeal in today’s media landscape. 18th Rose acts like a time portal, thoroughly embracing the decade with nods to discmans, webcams, and a young Leonardo DiCaprio as the heartthrob of that era. More than just a nostalgic feel, it also mirrors elements seen in early 80s films, which is a compliment. The playful exchanges between the characters keep things light until the film dives deeper into serious emotions, a hallmark of movies from that time.
The storyline may feel slow initially, lacking significant conflicts, yet Echari and Manabat convincingly portray the budding romance. The soundtrack effectively grounds the film in its time and mindset. There are some moments that might seem cheesy, but isn’t that part of the charm of 2000s films?
Our recommendation: It’s worth a stream. If you’re a fan of early 2000s teen films, this Filipino coming-of-age story might just hit the spot—and possibly evoke a few tears.
