iWantTFC’s New Series Sleep With Me Premieres Tonight
Finally a fresh WLW story for Filipinos to watch—headlined by Janine Gutierrez and Lovi Poe, too—here’s what we love about it.
How many Filipino WLW (women-loving-women) shows or films have you seen that doesn’t revolve around one of the characters being in the closet, and/or about to be married off to a man against their will, or ending miserably? You can definitely count them on one hand. These stories are important, of course, but for Filipino queer women watching different iterations of the same plot, it’s refreshing to see the tender, happy, wholesome parts of our identities and experiences be represented too. When this clip from Sleep With Me came up on twitter, I immediately thought—ok, kilig! This clip in particular excited many on twitter as it seemed to remind many queer women of their own similar experiences.
Sleep with Me is written and directed by Samantha Lee, whose works include queer films Baka Bukas and Billie and Emma. We got to watch the premiere of the first three episodes and here’s what we’re loving (we’ll try not to spoil!):
1. It’s headlined by Filipino showbiz royalty
Portraying the outgoing radio DJ Harry is Janine Gutierrez alongside the shy and introspective Luna of Lovi Poe (coincidentally both L'Officiel cover girls!). Opposites do attract, in this show at least, so expect cute chemistry and natural banter between the two.
2. It’s not one-dimensional
It is an LGBTQIA+ love story at first sight, but it’s a lot more layered and complex than that. It also shares the stories of people with disabilities (visible or not) and the everyday lives of people that surround and support them.
3. A lot of lovable characters
Aside from the two main names, watch out for the hilarious Wendy, who makes friends with Luna at the convenience store she frequents, and the super supportive brother of Harry, Kai. They each have their own mini-story arcs going on as well.
4. Visually beautiful
Set mostly in the evenings, you’ll get to know the characters when they’re alone in their often twilight-lit bedrooms, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a gold-and-blue-bathed Manila at night with Luna, and you’ll visit semi-secret haunts the characters hang out at (we were craving for mami after seeing the first three episodes).
5. The kilig, of course
What’s an LGBTQIA+ love story without the butterflies? We wouldn’t want to spoil it but you’ll definitely get your kilig fix especially when Janine’s character Harry is the complete opposite of torpe, and when you’re able to relate to a lot of their relationship experiences. On top of everything, the show has a sweet OST, too, by artist Rienne.
Watch the trailer for a glimpse of the romance that revolves around inter-abled couple Harry (Janine Guttierez) and Luna (Lovi Poe).
Co-produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and Project 8 Projects, the six-episode series is scheduled to premiere on iWantTFC on August 15.
