Some backstory required: the Gameboys series is a well-mounted, youth-trending Filipino drama/serial done for online viewership, unlike anything (yet) on American major networks. It concerns the travails of two young, handsome, affluent, internet-savvy homosexual males in love in Luzon province. Although LGTBQ-empowerment themes are strong, watchers of Pacific Rim culture will note cross-pollination with the popular Japanese "yaoi" genre of comics, "anime" cartoons and light novels. Yaoi typically caters to (schoolgirl) fans, with impossibly handsome and idealized boy-boy couplings and over-sentimentalized plotlines. This is practically yaoi done as live action.
Gameboys: The Movie, directed by Ivan Payawal, comprises a sort of Very Special Episode feature concluding (for now) the extant series. Those unacquainted with the established characters and material may have trouble finding their footing initially, in the candy-colored, uptempo curtain-opener. Cairo (Elijah Cantas) and Gavreel (Kokoy de Santos) are two male online-video game players who fell in love—and the gaming stuff resolved in previous story arcs and so is not a factor here, doubtless to the confusion of newbies who thought there would be Nintendo.
Cai and Gav reside in sun-washed tropical bliss in Gavreel's mother's house, confined due to lockdown during COVID-19 (the original web series was shot under quarantine conditions, and the pandemic has always been a key plot element). More surprise guests arrive, other young, gay men in contentious on-off relationships in person and on social media. A comical churchgoing aunt enters the picture, not immediately noticing (despite her homophobia) that she is in an all-queer household.
As quarantine restrictions relax, pretty influencer Pearl (Adrianna So), Gav's girlfriend before he came out, plans to use the estate for an online fundraiser. However, stresses on Gavreel and Cairo increase, family obligations pulling them in different directions. Indeed, the guys have not even fully consummated their love affair in actual sex (just heavy cuddling), waiting until they feel rock-solid about each other.
That last bit may be the balm in convincing library collections in conversative climates to carry Gameboys: The Movie; that when not affirming gay identity and coming out, it upholds lifelong committed relationships—and, thanks to the heroes' sorta-kinda-vow-of-abstinence, the intimacy does not become exceptionally graphic (but there is plenty of caressing and kissing and calling each other "baby").
As an affirmation of tolerance and acceptance in a bright, postcard-paradise setting, the material has value, though average viewers (even average LGBTQ viewers) may get an understandable sense of having walked into the drama late and missed a lot. Because they likely did.
A strong optional purchase for general collections in public libraries, though gender-fluid shelves should make room for its relevance as a cultural artifact. Libraries in areas with large Filipino-emigre populations may also consider carrying the feature, whose dialogue flips easily between Tagalog, English, and pidgin.
Gameboys: The Movie is a must-watch film for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt and genuine love story. It will leave audiences feeling both uplifted and inspired.