Why Isang Himala Could Be MMFF 2024’s Best Picture
Jose Pepe Diokno’s Isang Himala, the first-ever theatrical musical film to grace the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in 2024, is a groundbreaking cinematic experience. This film adaptation does not merely tell a story but uses the powerful medium of theater to amplify its themes of faith, desperation, and the human cost of miracles.
For those familiar with the original Himala, this version—infused with theatrical elements—takes the story to new emotional heights. It retains its timeless core but adds layers of nuance, making it a haunting exploration of religion, human nature, and the lengths people go to in search of salvation.
A Story Rooted in Faith and Human Nature
Set in the barren town of Cupang, Isang Himala follows Elsa, a young woman who claims to have seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Her alleged miracles draw desperate pilgrims to the impoverished village, transforming her into a symbol of hope. Yet, as faith collides with greed, fanaticism, and doubt, the story unravels into a profound critique of blind devotion and the exploitation of belief.
What makes this retelling compelling is its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, it exposes the fragility and resilience of a society that clings to faith in its darkest moments. The narrative doesn’t just challenge characters within the story but also provokes viewers to confront their own understanding of faith and the societal structures that manipulate it.
Music That Breathes Life Into the Story
One of the compelling aspects of Isang Himala is its music. Composed by Vincent A. De Jesus, the score enhances the emotional weight of the story. From the haunting melodies of the prologue to the powerful choral pleas of the townspeople, the music doesn’t just accompany the narrative; it drives it.
Elsa’s solo, “Gawin Mo Akong Sining,” is a standout moment. Laying bare her internal struggle between divine inspiration and inner conflict. The choral pieces, meanwhile, echo the collective despair and fleeting hope of the community, creating a visceral connection between the audience and the unfolding drama.
Aicelle Santos delivers a standout performance as Elsa. Her powerful voice and nuanced acting bring depth to a character torn between faith and self-doubt. The music amplifies her journey, making every note and lyric a window into her soul.
Where Theater Meets Film
Diokno’s direction seamlessly blends the intimacy of theater with the expansive possibilities of film. The minimalist set design, emphasizes the desolation of Cupang while allowing the characters and their emotions to take center stage. Close-up shots intensify Elsa’s anguish, while wide frames capture the fervor of its people.
Lighting plays a pivotal role in distinguishing moments of divine inspiration from harsh reality. Elsa’s first encounter with the Virgin Mary’s apparition is bathed in warm, ethereal light, a striking contrast to the film’s otherwise muted palette. This interplay of light and shadow deepens the narrative, emphasizing the blurred lines between divinity and delusion.
A Reflection on Faith and Society
At its heart, Isang Himala is a mirror held up to society. Its themes of exploitation, blind faith, and the commodification of miracles remain strikingly relevant. In a world still grappling with inequality, disenfranchisement, and the search for hope, the film’s critique of religious and societal structures feels as urgent today as it did in the original Himala.
This version doesn’t merely retell a classic; it reframes it, asking viewers to consider how faith can be both a source of strength and a tool for manipulation. It challenges audiences to grapple with uncomfortable truths about the intersections of belief, power, and community.
Why You Should Watch
Isang Himala transcends its status as a musical film to become a profound artistic statement. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling across mediums, as well as a celebration of Filipino artistry. Diokno’s adaptation enriches the iconic Himala narrative while maintaining its timeless relevance, making it both an artistic triumph and a cultural milestone.
As Elsa’s voice fades and the townspeople’s haunting refrain echoes, the film leaves audiences with a resonant statement: “Walang Himala! Ang Himala ay nasa Puso ng tao!” This line speaks not only to the people of Cupang but to all of us, living in a world still yearning for miracles.
