Watch The Debutantes

The Debutantes is a 2017 Filipino coming-of-age thriller directed by Prime Cruz and starred by Sue Ramirez, Miles Ocampo, and Michelle Vito. The film follows the lives of high school classmates and best friends Kate, Ysabel, and Mariel, as they prepare for their debutante ball, a Filipino tradition that marks a girl's coming of age at 18.

The film depicts the lives of teenage girls in a refreshing way, where they are shown as independent and smart instead of the usual dumb portrayal of young women in most Filipino films. The three girls are respectable students who are all aiming to finish their studies and become successful in life. Kate, who is played by Sue Ramirez, is the confident and ambitious girl who aims to become a doctor, while Ysabel, played by Miles Ocampo, is the school's socialite who comes from a well-to-do family. Mariel, played by Michelle Vito, is the meek and timid one, who also happens to come from a wealthy family.

As the film progresses, the three girls learn that the debutante ball is not just a simple celebration of a girl's 18th birthday but also an opportunity for their social status to rise, especially for those who come from the privileged and affluent society. Through social media and word of mouth, the three girls gain the attention of a mysterious man, who promises to make their debut into a night they will never forget.

The alluring yet intimidating man becomes the main focus of the film, as he leads the girls into a world of danger and luxury. Along the way, they meet other young girls who were also invited to the same party. Unknown to them, the night is the start of a horrifying ordeal that they must all go through together.

The Debutantes' plot is a combination of a coming-of-age story, suspense, and horror. It showcases the harsh realities of being a young woman in a patriarchal society, where a girl's worth is solely determined by her social status and physical appearance. Although the film focuses on the lives of three girls, it also shows how societal issues such as sexism, classism, and misogyny can affect young women from all walks of life.

The film has a solid cast that showcases great chemistry and acting skills. Sue Ramirez, who plays Kate, delivers an outstanding performance as the confident and resourceful lead. Miles Ocampo, who plays Ysabel, nails her role as the socialite, who is often torn between her desire to be accepted and her longing for genuine friendships. Michelle Vito, who plays Mariel, depicts the timid girl perfectly, making her character's transformation more evident as the story progresses.

The cinematography is also worth noting, as it captures the dark and eerie atmosphere of the film. The use of dark lighting and shadows adds to the suspense and horror, making the audience feel unease and anticipation as the events unfold.

Although The Debutantes is a thriller, it does not rely on jump scares and gory violence to tell its story. Instead, it focuses on the psychological aspect of horror and suspense, making it a more compelling and engaging experience for the audience.

Overall, The Debutantes is an excellent film that showcases Filipina teenagers in a fresh and empowering way. It tackles real societal issues that affect young women and presents these issues in an exciting and thought-provoking way. The film is a must-watch not just for fans of thrillers but also for those who want to see a different portrayal of young women in Filipino cinema.

The Debutantes is a 2017 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.