Safe Haven (2020) Episode 1: Cat and Dog

Safe Haven is a Filipino (Pinoy) boys' love (BL) series comparable to Truly Very Yours and Even After in terms of duration (around 10 minutes per episode). Like Even After, it's also a do-it-yourself (DIY) series. But unfortunately, Safe Haven paled in comparison with these two similarly low-budget series with respect to plot, performance, and production. Judging from Episode 1: Cat and Dog, this series seemed to have a very simple plot that uses the much overused enemies to lovers trope. While this trope is not intrinsically bad, there's nothing in this pilot episode that would suggest something new. Yes, this episode alluded to gender-based discrimination in the workplace but it came across as superficial. If it's any consolation, screenplay was realistic enough. Acting performance of the lead cast needs a lot of improvement. They were overacting at times. There were also big unnecessary hand gestures that were really distracting. Audio wasn't that clear. Camera work and the quality of shots were pedestrian. And editing gave a school project vibe. Overall, this series needs a lot of work if it wants to be taken seriously. I don't expect it to become a Gameboys or a Hello Stranger all of a sudden. Working within its limited resources, it just needs to find ways to improve.

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