The movie “The Gifted” is a dark sexy comedy with strong, intelligent, and manipulative female

characters. It is an obviously satire movie into Philippine melodrama written and directed by Criz
Martinez. The movie is about the power struggle between appearances and intelligence, between
beauty and brains. It also asks the audience what they believe in: do people really change, or do
they never change? All of this is wrapped up in a fast-paced, naughty comedy about two girl misfits
who become 'frenemies,' and the man who gets between them.

The Gifted follows the rivalry of two grade school friends, Zoe Tuason (Anne Curtis) and Aica
Tabayoyong (Aica Tabayoyong) (Cristine Reyes). Both highly intelligent, Zoe is grossly overweight
(Anne dresses like Gwyneth Paltrow in Shallow Hal) and Aica is plain ugly, so they're both outcasts
who can't help but gravitate toward each other. Unfortunately, the friendship turns to hatred when
Zoe becomes envious of Aica's ability to always be first in class. It will reach absurd proportions
when Zoe manipulates a handsome classmate, Mark (Sam Milby), in order to divert Aica's attention
away from her studies. After failing at this, she resorts to violence and later attempts to murder
Aica. But do not quit watching once the end credits start rolling it is not all about that, So don’t be
fooled and don’t leave the theater right away once the end credits start rolling because there’s more
for you to find out.

The film is just like other typical comedy that will make you laugh but this one is mixed with
spiciness. The silly lines and their funny rebuts to each other will surely make you hooked into
watching it. The domino effects are interesting to watch, it is a sign that they are really geniuses.
Zoe’s and Aica’s rebuts to each other are both interesting and fun to watch. Anne’s line that
engraved in my mind was “Pinanganak kang bobo, lalaki kang bobo, at mamatay kang bobo!” that
line is memorable. It was just so harsh but funny. The film was so unserious especially the fighting
scene. The violence was so questionable and unserious because of the sound effects, felt like
watching a video game; such a childish actions of them. Well, the movie is really far from reality so
that was not big deal since it is supposed to be satire.

What I liked about the film are it is really funny and chill. The main casts really did well in enacting
their characters, especially Anne Curtis. She convincingly enjoys having the chance to make "sabog
ng lagim" everywhere in her role as the plotting, snarling, uber-bitchy protagonist who only cares
about herself. Her cartoonish meanness enacts her vile and brazen actions in many scenes, but it
really shines in the ones where she does them without hesitation. Sounds biased but I super loved
her character. The prosthetics were also amazing, kudos to those responsible for it who made Anne,
fat and Christine, ugly. It seems so real especially, Anne’s fat body. Christine was also good, she had
that angelic face and pink lips that really perfect for her role. Sam Milby also did great in delivering
his lines from Bisaya accent to a fluent one. Throughout the movie their growth was really shown.
The story line is good; you won’t get lost watching it. it started when they were young until they’ve
reunited again. What I do not like about the movie is I did not have enough of their closure. I wish
they had more bonding together as a friend. I want to watch more of their friendship when they are
both beautiful and successful in life already.
Overall, I really enjoyed the movie. All the cast did so great. It is not a movie that will make your
mind confused but rather will make you relaxed. I recommend this movie; it is worth a try. You can
watch it with your friends and family to relieve stress since it such a chill movie. If you are looking
for a movie that is not complicated and you just want to chill-out, then this movie is what you are
looking for. You will enjoy the story line and will love the characters. Their intelligence and beauty
will make you aspire them.