Director Ato Bautista's Latest Work, 'Gemini', Is A Stylish Psychological Thriller About Mysterious Twin Sisters

WE’VE written about four of the five entries in the Metro Filmfest New Wave Section: “Magkakabaung”, “Maratabat”, “M, My Mother’s Maiden Name” and “Mulat”. The last one is “Gemini”, written and directed by Ato Bautista. Ato has been directing indie flicks since 2005 in “Sa Aking Pagkakagising...” which won a best actor award for Carlo Aquino. He has helmed Robin Padilla in “Blackout” and made thrillers like “Carnivore” and “Di Natatapos ang Gabi”. He made the erotic sex drama, “Palitan”, for Cinema One (which won acting awards for its stars Alex Medina and Mara Lopez) and “Mga Alaala ng Tag-ulan” for CineFilipino.

His latest work, “Gemini”, is a stylish psychological thriller about twin sisters (real life twins Sheena and Brigitte McBride in their first acting roles) and a mysterious police detective (Mon Confiado). Julia (Sheena), a patient in a mental instituion, is interviewed by a detective, Manuel (Mon). Julia reveals that her elder twin sister Judith (Brigitte) killed a man, Anton (Lance Raymundo). This was six years ago and the murder took place right in front of her in the remote home where they grew up. Their private tutor (Sarah Gaugler) told them Anton is her brother but it turns out they are lovers. When Anton tried to make love to both sisters, Judith kills him and they buried his body. The story becomes more mysterious and intriguing at this point.

“Gemini” had its world premiere at the World Cinema Fantastic Section of the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea last July where it got favourable reviews.