REVIEW: Film ‘Ilo-Ilo’ portraying working parents’ struggling relationship with their children

MANILA, Philippines- Set in Singapore during the 90’s days when the economic crisis hit the country, director Anthony Chen’s film “Ilo-Ilo” tells the viewers about the struggle of a family and how a maid or yaya made a huge impact on a child’s life.

Inspired by director Chen’s personal story, this film narrates the story of the child Jailer, portrayed by Koh Jai Ler, who is seeking love and attention from his parents but finds it from his new yaya Teresa.

Teresa, played by Filipina actress Angeli Bayani, was forced to work as domestic helper to provide for the needs of his son.

At first, Jailer wants Teresa out of their house, so he does things that get her in trouble like getting her lost in the city and locking her outside the house. But his antics didn’t work on her and she was able to show the boy that all she wants is to keep her job.

The cat and mouse relationship of Teresa and Jailer continued until the boy gets into an accident. With his arm injured, Jailer depended on Teresa to assist him.

Working together led them to be close to each other, and  help them find  the missing pieces in their lives—for Jailer having a mother figure who gives him care and love, and Teresa who sees in him the son she left in the Philippines.

As the two get closer, Jailer’s mon Hwee Lang, played by Yeo Yann Yann, gets jealous, leading her to be suspicious of Teresa. She then begins to monitor Teresa closely and look for mistakes.

Besides  her son’s indifference to her, Hwee Lang gets stressed about the layoffs in their company. Her husband Teck (Chen Tianwen) was also laid off from work.

With Hwee Lang as the sole breadwinner, the family undergoes financial problems, which were made worse when Hwee Lang lost a big amount of money when she fell victim to a scam.

Since they need to adjust their budget, they need to cut their expenses  and to dismiss Teresa as their maid.

Learning of the situation, the boy does everything, including betting on lotto,  to stop Teresa from leaving. His efforts  were all in vain, however.

With no other options left, Jailer and Teresa were both heartbroken to be apart and hoped to see each other again in the future.

When Teresa was about to leave, Jailer cuts  several strands of her hair as a way of keeping a memory of the person who made him feel loved, more than what his parents could give  him.

The film’s plot may be simple and appears typical,  but it is relatable and heart-felt especially for  parents who themselves are struggling to reach out to their children who have become more fond of their housemaids.

“Ilo-Ilo” is being screen in selected local cinemas nationwide, starting today December 4.