Many Filipino dramas are cheesy and full of cliches. But when local creators are truthful in portraying life, Filipino fiction can be quite profound and heart wrenching. The Netflix movie Doll House is one of those dramas. Even if it’s lacking in certain artistic aspects (e.g., the protagonist should’ve had more high-stakes goals), I appreciate Doll House for breaking away from the formulaic Pinoy story wherein the protagonist is a poor, adopted child who finds out that s/he’s an heir to the fortunes of a wealthy family. I’ve grown to despise Filipino dramas like that because they promote a mentality of mendicancy.
Doll House, on the other hand, depicts these sobering truths about fulfilling one’s calling that everyone must take seriously:
# 1 To quote a pastor from my childhood: “Comfort destroys usefulness.”
Rustin Villanueva, a wealthy and handsome son of a general, is this movie’s protagonist. If Doll House had been a typical Filipino drama, Rustin would be portrayed as a desirable guy. But the movie shows us that people become monsters when everything is handed to them on a silver platter. In Rustin’s case, being a general’s son enabled him to live a lucrative lifestyle without working hard or paying for the consequences of his misconduct.
So when he encountered the challenge of raising his family, he tried to cope by throwing tantrums, abusing drugs, and running away from his responsibilities. Rustin could’ve been more equipped to face difficulties had he been held accountable for his actions when he was younger.
# 2 Men need to channel their masculinity towards leading and protecting their wives and their kids.
Some people are meant to be single so that they can effectively fulfill their calling, which could be related to their jobs or to their advocacies. But for most people (whether male or female), their primary calling is to uphold their spouses’ and their children’s welfare.
Being the head of the household will entail making painful sacrifices, suffering through conflicts, and taking huge risks. Nevertheless, accepting this mantle of leadership is one of the best ways that men can channel their aggression and disagreeableness towards productivity that benefits society.
Growing up spoiled rotten drove Rustin to indulge in vices and abandon his family, which made him all the more aimless. So he had accomplished nothing by the time he reached middle age. But taking care of his daughter brought out Rustin’s creativity, resourcefulness, and profundity in ways that bachelorhood could not.
# 3 We will reap the damaging consequences of our refusal to accept responsibilities.
It’s good that Doll House emphasizes the importance of giving people the chance to repent. But the movie also shows us that we can never get back the time, resources, opportunities, health, and relationships that were lost due to our irresponsibility even when we’ve changed our ways.
Many people find their lives in absolute ruin because they spent their youth chasing after pleasures regardless of the consequences. We should therefore remember that the key to joyful living is dedicating yourself to a godly purpose that will discipline you into improving your attitudes, skills, and physical health. Once again, for most people, that high calling will involve getting married and raising their families.
I am NOT saying that an unmarried person doesn’t have a life purpose. I’m single myself! But by God’s grace, being single allowed me to focus on helping persons with disabilities and the elderly in my family. It’s just that when you’re unmarried, it’s tempting to waste your freedom on vices, impure relationships, or on the rat race.
If refraining from sexual activity as a single adult is torturous for you, take that as a cue that you should date to find a spouse instead of constantly delaying marriage. Do not go on romantic dates for leisure only, lest you end up having children without adequate preparation. Don’t prioritize winning in the rat race at the kids’ expense. There are many ways to achieve career success at various points in a person’s life. But there are fewer windows of opportunities that one must not miss in order to raise well-adjusted children.
(Photo by Mohamed Awwam)
We need more " Doll House " movies. Since the onset of the internet, we have gotten used to quick answers to our questions and instant gratification. This could prove disastrous to those who are suddenly faced with a problem that requires protracted self-sacrifice.