“This is the skin of a killer, Bella!” is probably one of pop culture’s well-known lines when it comes to romance and vampires because of the highly popular Twilight series. There is just something alluring about ancient creatures that have felt remorse, pain, guilt, and loss countless times over the course of their century-spanning lives. Then, finally, finding love after all the numbness and horror the world can give you. Netflix explores this concept with its recent release, The Time That Remains.
It’s a refreshing take on the vampire romance genre, following the story of Lilia, a woman who recounts her time with her lover Matias, a vampire who has outlived people for generations. Join us as we uncover the love story of Lilia and Matias in our High Five review of The Time That Remains. Spoilers ahead.
Befitting Star-Studded Cast
The cast of “The Time That Remains” | Photos From Netflix
It’s no question that the cast that brought this story to life. We begin the story of The Time That Remains with Bing Pimentel acting as the elderly version of Lilia, and she gives the character a nuanced voice and mannerisms that truly make you feel her weariness. Jasmine Curtis-Smith as the young adult version of Lilia retains those mannerisms, but is more innocent and timid, turning bitter throughout the course of the film as she learns more about the world.
Carlo Aquino stunned in his role as Matias, a Kalinga warrior from the 1500s who turned into a vampire. The way he acted out his yearning and protective nature were in line with what we expect from a centuries-old warrior, and he doesn’t shy away from looking menacing and wild as long as the emotions fit the scene.
Aside from the main cast, Beauty Gonzales was also the perfect fit as a doting nurse, Christine Reyes as a blood supplier, Bembol Rocco as the police officer trying to solve past murder cases related to Lilia and Matias, and Mark Herras who plays a toxic ex. All these actors fit their roles well, which allowed the story to shine all throughout.
An Age-Old Trope Done Right
Lilia and Matias through the Years | Photos from Netflix
When it comes to vampire-human romance, one of the main conflicts always comes with the dichotomy of age. We begin the story with an elderly Lilia, and it’s through oral storytelling and flashbacks do we see what both our main characters have gone through. Their relationship starts off as companionship between the two—a young Lilia meeting Matias in his cat form—eventually unfolding, and growing into something more when Lila reaches the same physical age as Matias.
Their story also explores another contrast—that of the ‘wild’ vampire and the ‘tame’ human. Despite all the differences between the two, and despite both of them knowing how things will end, they still stuck by each other through thick and thin in a partnership that lasts, even outside of this mortal coil.
Impeccable and Haunting Production
Set and Costume Design of “The Time That Remains” | Photos from Netflix
The set and costume design, the locations, and even the shots—each part of the production came together to create an atmospheric piece of Filipino cinema. The difference between Matias and Lilia were also highlighted with the use of color grading—with cool tones used for Matias’ scenes and warm tones for Lilia’s. The film also emphasized Matias’ fantastical presence when he came on screen, slowing down the movement while playing gongs in the background to announce his arrival.
Costume design of the main characters in “The Time That Remains” | Photos from Netflix
The costume designs were also well researched and produced. Matias wore ba-ag (loincloth), often associated with people from the Cordilleras. He also had tattoos around his body, which showed how many people he had killed as a warrior in his previous life. Young adult Lilia had often had her hair in an updo and wore 1950s inspired Americana, immediately making it apparent what period the film takes place in. We also appreciate the makeup details that made the elderly Lilia look the part, with intricate lines added to her face while wearing the traditional duster.
The cinematography and direction were highly evocative. There were a lot of close-up shots of Matias and Lilia, capturing their emotions when the dialogue was at times at a lull. The film didn’t shy away from the blood and gore that came with vampire movies as well, making full use of effects and makeup to take the fantastic elements up a notch. All in all, each technical element came together to give us a vampire film imbued with Filipino history and culture.
Lore and Historic Roots
Have you ever finished watching a film and thought they only used a specific creature because it was popular? For this film, they made sure to tastefully make use of the “vampire” character to explore the film’s themes. Matias is not just a typical vampire character made to fit the mold of a “forbidden love” narrative—through his character, we feel what it’s like to be seen and to be loved. His character has more in common with vampires to fit this narrative exploration, but he’s also imbued with bits of aswang lore, such as his bloodlust, his inhuman strength, and his shape-shifting ability.
Much like Sinners, the film also makes use of vampirism as a symbol of colonization. Matias became a vampire because of the Spaniards. As he was fighting against foreign invaders, a vampire escaped and bit him, turning him into the immortal creature of the night. Thus, Matias ended up killing his village in an uncontrollable fit of bloodlust. The film depicts it as a curse passed on by colonizers that poisons even local heroes. The Japanese occupation is also well in the background of the story, with Lilia experiencing atrocities that impacted her life because of it.
Overall, the film makes careful use of historical events as a backdrop to inform the portrayal of its characters and why they are the way that they are. It’s a good incorporation of fact mixed with fiction that makes the story all the more believable despite its fantastic elements.
What is Love?
Photo from Netflix
The theme of the film can be seen most clearly through Matias’ yearning. As you watch the scenes unfold, you can see how Matias can only long for a normal life with the woman he loves. But is it really love if you’re treating the other person as a means to an end? Does Matias actually love Lilia, or does he only want the closest semblance to normalcy that he can get? In the end, we think it was both. Just like in real life, love can be a layered and complicated thing. Despite it being just one lifetime for Matias, we’re left with the feeling that love lasts even after death.
The Time That Remains is an emotional journey through time that does not disappoint. While the vampire elements may seem foreign in concept, the actual execution leaves little room to be desired, as the filmmakers took great care to make it feel as natural as they could, incorporating it into historical record and even local folklore. The acting brings out the best of the story, making for an interesting watch that leaves you with a satisfying conclusion.
SEA Wave rates The Time That Remains 3.5 out of 5 waves.