Connie Macatuno, the visionary director behind Regal Entertainment’s sexy drama “Guilty Pleasure,” which opens in cinemas today, has long been known for her daring films that celebrate female empowerment, even when exploring taboo subjects.
Her latest offering, starring Lovi Poe as an assertive and highly-skilled attorney named Alexis, continues this tradition with a blend of sensuality, Filipino pride and a message of feminine strength.
Macatulad’s works, which immediately come to mind and show her signature blend of bold storytelling and nuanced portrayals of female characters, include “Rome and Juliet” (2006), a critically acclaimed film starring Andrea del Rosario and Mylene Dizon, as two career women entangled in forbidden love; and “Glorious,” a May-December affair starring Angel Locsin and Tony Labrusa.
When asked by The Manila Times Entertainment about her approach to Lovi’s character in her latest offering, Macatuno said at “Guilty Pleasure’s” grand media conference, “I’ve observed successful career women who will wear something very Filipino every day because it tells another layer of story from the cultural communities who work on these items.”
‘Guilty Pleasure’ takes bold risks by intertwining sensuality with Filipino culture, using imagery not just to titillate but to tell a deeper story. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
She believes fashion can be a powerful tool in reinforcing identity, which is why Lovi’s wardrobe is meticulously curated to reflect that she is a Filipina and a strong and intelligent one at that.
“It pushes forward our Filipino identity without screaming for it,” Macatuno explained.
Nevertheless, she pointed out that the film isn’t just about a woman succeeding in a male-dominated field; it’s about embracing femininity and the complexity of a woman’s desires, thus the title.
“Sex is a part of our lives, isn’t it? So, we work and play. We work and have sex and play,” she added with a laugh, breaking down the balance between work and pleasure in her characters’ lives.
Beyond the use of modern Filipiniana fashion, the movie makes no apologies for the way it portrays female sexuality.
The film, therefore, takes bold risks by intertwining sensuality with Filipino culture, using imagery not just to titillate but to tell a deeper story.
Macatuno revealed she collaborated with 14 Filipino designers to ensure that every piece worn by Lovi’s character is an expression of both personal empowerment and national pride.
“As a woman, if I know I’m going to be around people who will make a judgment of me, I will dress up. Because that’s where you will draw your energy and confidence from — from what you are wearing and how you look,” she elaborated, highlighting the connection between appearance, faith in oneself, and self-expression.
“There’s no one to tell you how you will express yourself but you. You’re the one who’s going to say, ‘This is how I want to express myself, and this is my voice.'”
Simultaneously, beyond the use of modern Filipiniana fashion, “Guilty Pleasure” makes no apologies for the way it portrays female sexuality because this is just integral to Macatuno’s message: that women have the right to experience pleasure and express themselves freely.
She is clear, however, that these moments are not just for show. “All the intimate scenes we did were carefully thought of,” she declared, explaining that they are intended to provoke conversation and challenge societal norms.
“The highly anticipated sexy scenes of Lovi are actually bigger than this film,” she ascribed, pointing to her broader goal of creating space for dialogue around women’s pleasure and autonomy.
Ultimately, for Macatuno, the goal of “Guilty Pleasure” isn’t just to entertain but to inspire. “Whatever works for you as a woman, go for it,” she advised, encouraging women to embrace their choices, whether in fashion, career, or pleasure.
Joining Lovi Poe in what is already being touted as the sexiest film of 2024 are Jameson Blake and JM de Guzman. They all play lawyers who explore complex relationships and personal struggles as they navigate their way through love, betrayal and revenge.
Lovi doesn’t just star in the film but also ventures with Regal as co-producer via her C’est Lovi Productions. Check out this hot women empowerment movie directed by Macatulad in cinemas nationwide beginning today.
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