Bona 1980

Bona is a high school student from a middle-class family who idolizes Gardo, a stuntman working on Philippine cinema productions. She becomes part of a circle of movie-star admirers who follow the shoots, cheer during basketball games, and push for chances at small roles in films. Her growing devotion slowly shifts her priorities at home, as she starts neglecting household chores and arriving late, much to her parents’ concern.

One night, [Bona] accompanies [Gardo] to his home in a poverty-stricken slum without running water. He is beaten by unknown assailants, and she carries him inside to tend to his wounds. The woman who is with him had previously shown affection for him, and he laments that the injuries may take several days to heal. Yet he seems grateful for Bona’s care, and the two share a quiet sense of companionship. When she finally returns to her own family, her father beats her for returning late and for causing worry. She runs away again, choosing to live with him, and continues to offer unpaid labor and support.

Bona’s father eventually locates her at Gardo’s place and insists that Gardo marry Bona. Gardo refuses, claiming he does not know Bona well enough and had only allowed her to stay because of her request. The confrontation escalates, and the father collapses from a heart attack before any marriage could occur. Bona’s mother urges her to return home, but Bona remains steadfast and goes back to Gardo’s apartment.

Tensions rise when Bona gets into a confrontation with another woman who visits Gardo’s home. After a heated exchange, Bona ejects the intruder, but Gardo challenges her over the dynamic of the so-called “home” and warns that he could send her away. Bona pleads to stay, and the two eventually sleep together, deepening their complicated bond.

Gardo’s life outside the apartment pulls him away at times, and he returns with a younger, distraught woman named Annie, who appears to be pregnant. To address the situation, Bona helps arrange an abortion by visiting a local herbologist, paying for the procedure herself. Later, Gardo introduces a wealthy older woman, Katrina, who showers Bona with luxurious gifts for her birthday, signaling a shift in Gardo’s choices and affections.

A turning point arrives when Bona is informed of her father’s death. She attempts to attend the funeral, but her brother drives her away, blaming her for the loss. Back at home, Katrina reveals that Gardo will now live with her and that Bona should return to her family. Gardo himself returns, announcing plans to migrate to the United States with Katrina, a wealthy widow, and to sell his house. Bona, distressed by the prospect of losing her place in the family, declares she cannot go back, but Gardo insists he is not responsible for her. He asks Bona to prepare hot water for his bath, a request she fulfills, and she pours the boiling water over him. The scene ends with Gardo screaming in searing pain as the fire consumes him, leaving the audience with a stark, brutal image of the couple’s fractured fate.