As seen on the October 2019 issue of The Philippine Sentinel
The Escort is a twisted story that evolves on skin and sensuality.
Xyruz (Derek Ramsay) is manager of an escort service.
He finds himself in love with a new receptionist, Yassi (Lovi Poe). Things get complicated because of a multi-millionaire client Gary (Christopher de Leon) who becomes interested in Yassi. The twist involves lady boss Lucy (Jean Garcia) who in turn becomes interested in Xyruz.
There is enough sexual innuendo and teasing to trigger the interest of viewers, yet this movie is much more than sexy scenes stitched together. The swimming pool scene between Xyruz and Lucy is powerful and erotic. The one between Xyruz and Yassi is tender but passionate. Both scenes are highly extended, without much censorship.
The movie has a few subplots, including one involving Dimples Romana’s character as an aging escort, Mayor (Rommel Padilla)━Lucy’s husband━who is in jail because of allegations of graft and corruption.
The film also deals with issues as trust and unconditional love, as well as problems that we face in Philippine society such as poverty, insecurity, graft and corruption.
The movie falls short of its real objective because it tries to tell so many different stories, yet dropping them along the way. Some issues are convoluted, left unresolved, or abandoned completely.
The script has humorous dialogues, though some lines and situations that are meant to be serious end up funny. It is disturbing to even hear one female escort joking about being raped, as if it wasn’t a big deal.
The original intention of the script depends on its actors to verbalize character traits and pivotal points: the alternative to hinge on the actor’s talent or story development.
Derek plays the lead role in much the same way as he brought to life similar characters in the past.
Lovi is beautiful and statuesque, which is what the character calls for. She displays potential just below the surface, and sometimes, her eyes would display deeper emotions appropriate to the scene.
/Rio Matro