Saagar Kote
Netflix’s ‘18th Rose’ is the story of Rose and Jordan, two high school students who go through poignant life experiences as they build an unlikely bond. Rose is a girl from Romblon who dreams about celebrating her 18th birthday by making her “debut,” a Philippine dance ceremony celebrating adulthood. On the other hand, Jordan is new to the place and wants to reconnect with his estranged father, who stays in the US. Set in 2004, the Filipino teen romantic drama movie ups the stakes for Rose and Jordan as they make a deal.
Rose offers to help Jordan make contact with his father, provided Jordan gives her some money so that she can buy the dress she needs for her debut. As Rose’s dreams and Jordan’s desperation converge, they face situations that may change their perspectives on life, love, and family forever. Directed by Dolly Dulu, the narrative conveys deeper messages about the complexities of friendship, while also dealing with cultural aspects.
18th Rose Intricately Captures the Sociocultural Essence of the Philippine Tradition of Debut
Written by Dolly Dulu and John Carlo Pacala, ‘18th Rose’ is a fictional story grounded in the social realities of the Philippines. One of the most important parts of the story is the phenomenon of “debut,” which is an integral part of Philippine culture. The debut celebrates a young woman’s 18th birthday, marking her maturity with traditions such as the “18 Roses Dance,” in which 18 chosen male relatives or friends present her with a rose. Similarly, 18 chosen female relatives and friends give speeches and light a candle. Both the debutante and her court wear formal attire. A Filipino man’s debut is typically held on his 21st birthday. In the story, Rose, who is on the verge of turning 18, dreams of having the perfect debut.
The excitement leading up to it and the role it plays in shaping the lives of young individuals, especially girls, is at the heart of the narrative. The challenges that Rose goes through, just to have the ideal debut, showcase the experiences of young girls in the Philippines. Every element of the story revolves around the ceremony, shaping the decisions of Rose and Jordan as they become friends. Similar to social traditions like “sweet sixteen” in countries like the US and Canada, a debut celebrates a unique time period in an individual’s life. The narrative portrays this reality through character development and moments of genuine human connection.
18th Rose is a Commentary on the Challenges of the Pre-Smartphone Era
‘18th Rose’ is set in 2004, an era characterized by the absence of smartphones and quick internet. Jordan struggles to make contact with his estranged father and desperately seeks to use computer systems from a cyber center to send and read emails. The world-building in the movie complements the spirit of the time period it is set in. The narrative subtly depicts how technology can often be the point of difference between isolation and hope. The internet is a decisive element in the important parts of the story. Through the character arcs of Jordan and Rose, the film also delves into the complexities of human connection when interactions are direct. As reported by Cosmopolitan, during a Next on Netflix Philippines event, Dolly Dulu, the director of the movie, spoke about the importance of the era established in the story.
The filmmaker said, “Life was simpler then, we didn’t have social media, and if you wanted to meet someone, you actually had to put in the effort to physically meet that person.” The grounded portrayal of its era adds to the movie’s authenticity. The internet has definitely contributed to the technological revolution at a global level, but the film portrays its true value as a means of communication between people who wish to speak to their loved ones.
18th Rose is a Celebration of the Intricacies of Friendship and Love
‘18th Rose’ is a subtle, honest, and poignant exploration of friendship in all its complexities. The interactions between Jordan and Rose shape the philosophical outlook of the film. The narrative treats the characters with authenticity and realism. Jordan and Rose appear to be real individuals, as they go through grounded experiences of human connection. The story also delves into the convergence of love and friendship and the various ways it can complicate life. The depiction of high school life and teenage insecurities contributes to the thematic richness of the narrative.
Dolly Dulu noted that while the emotions in the film are universal, allowing a global audience to relate to it, it retains a distinct Filipino sensibility. The theme of “friends to lovers” has been explored by several movies in the past. ‘18th Rose’ adds another tale to this theme, while maintaining its authenticity and cultural representation. The element of choice and the role it plays in forging the path of love is also an important part of the film. Ultimately, ‘18th Rose’ is a deeply moving tale that is socially relevant.
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