"Un/Happy For You" [2024]

Film

Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto

Written by: Kookai Labayen, Crystal San Miguel, and Jen Chuaunsu

Directed by: Petersen Vargas

ABS-CBN Studios, Viva Films

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RATING: ⭐⭐ / 5

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WARNING: SPOILERS!

INITIAL THOUGHTS:

When I heard Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia were reuniting for a film, I was ecstatic and promised myself that I'd set aside time to see it. I knew they had amazing chemistry together after seeing them in "Love You to the Stars and Back" in 2017. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I wasn’t able to watch their new movie. As the days passed, I wondered why it didn’t make any noise at that time. I didn’t really pay any attention to it, thinking that it might be because of several factors, but after watching it, I now understand why. Julia and Joshua's performances may have been good, but it wasn’t enough to cover up the fact that the entire story of the film fell short.

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SYNOPSIS:

Chef Juancho reunites with ex-girlfriend Zy, visiting hometown. Initially seeking revenge against her engagement, he unexpectedly redevelops feelings.

(Source: IMDB)

STORY:

The film follows Zy Angeles (Julia Barretto) and Juancho Trinidad (Joshua Garcia), former lovers who reconnect under complicated circumstances. Their past breakup was painful, and yet certain events push them back into each other’s orbit. Along the way, various decisions made by both lead characters and those around them create conflict—often in ways the reviewer found unrealistic. For example:

• An ex-couple deciding to spend time together despite a bad breakup.

• A current partner allowing reconnection between their significant other and their ex.

• Characters making choices that seem illogical or detached from real-life consequences.

  
  

These story elements, while intended to add drama, failed to resonate with the reviewer, feeling detached from reality and lacking emotional weight, particularly in the resolution of Juancho’s restaurant crisis.

CHARACTERS:

• Joshua Garcia – Delivers a standout performance, particularly in emotional scenes requiring anger or desperation. His portrayal of Juancho effectively conveys strong emotions and makes it easy for viewers to connect with his character.

  
  

• Julia Barretto – Shines in quiet moments as Zy, especially when expressing guilt over past events. However, there are two noted shortcomings:

  1. Lack of visible lingering love for Juancho in a key scene.

  2. A muted reaction to her current boyfriend leaving her, which made it seem like she didn’t care much.

     
     

• Kaila Estrada – Convincing as Aiah.

• John Lapus – Brings joy to the reviewer for his return to film.

• Other minor characters – Serviceable performances but not especially memorable.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

The film’s visuals carry a “misty,” nostalgic tone that may have been an intentional stylistic choice, though it didn’t significantly enhance the storytelling for the reviewer. While the camera work was generally serviceable, there were standout moments, such as the heated argument scene in Zy’s hotel room, where low-angle shots created a sense of immersion. Overhead shots of a restaurant garden and distant views of Mt. Mayon added visual variety, though the mountain shots felt disconnected from the plot and lacked narrative payoff.

TECHNICAL:

From a technical standpoint, the production showed thoughtful touches, particularly in its use of lighting. The director’s play with yellow tones during an intimate scene stood out, as the color symbolically represents cowardice, dishonesty, and betrayal—an interesting layer of meaning. While the overall execution was competent, these creative choices were among the few technical elements that added depth to the film’s emotional landscape.

CRITICISMS:

The film’s biggest weakness lies in its storytelling, which the reviewer found unrealistic and disconnected from real-life situations. Several character decisions felt illogical or emotionally implausible—such as an ex-couple willingly spending time together despite a painful breakup, a current partner allowing that reconnection, and characters showing up the next day after supposedly reaching closure. Plot points that should have carried emotional weight, like Juancho jeopardizing his own restaurant, lacked the necessary dramatic impact, with the resolution of naming dishes after staff coming off as forced and “cringe.” While there were visually appealing shots, some, like those of Mt. Mayon, felt narratively unnecessary. Ultimately, the strong performances of Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto were overshadowed by weak and unconvincing storytelling.

CONCLUSION:

While Un/Happy For You benefits from the natural chemistry and professionalism of Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia—who showed no on-screen awkwardness despite their personal history—the film suffers from a poorly grounded story that limits emotional engagement. The reviewer hopes that if the pair work together again, it will be in a more relatable, believable, and impactful project.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFC9sSIk_cc