“LOVE MAKES ordinary people into poets, philosophers… and monsters.”
The Loved One is a film for those in love and in doubt about their relationship. It is a story of how two lovers lost one another in a decade’s worth of a relationship after failing to realize that differences did not start on their first date, first vacation or first argument, but on the first time they met.
Directed by Irene Emma Villaflor, the movie premiered on Feb. 11, serving as a pre-Valentine’s treat for those in long-term relationships, married couples and perhaps those looking for a sign to leave their relationships.
The film follows Eric (Jericho Rosales), an information technology specialist serving as a breadwinner for his family, and Ellie (Anne Curtis), a privileged, spirited woman unshackled by life’s challenges. Their paths cross in a bar where Eric sees the best of Ellie and falls in love at first sight.
From the beginning, their dynamic serves as a recipe for disaster. The root of their differences comes in different forms, a motorcycle, a lavish lifestyle and a ‘worlds apart’ financial situation. Both serve as an antithesis of one another as one is accustomed to a simple, grounded life, while the other yearned for spontaneity and a life meant to be lived.
Where Ellie could afford wanting more, Eric is content with settling for what he has received. Though disasters may have been avoided, their incompatibility with one another remains buried in the versions of each other that they keep close in the deepest crevices of their hearts.
As the film navigates the differences between the two, the unusual sequencing of events is one of the film’s unique qualities, especially on how Eric’s perspective came first, then Ellie’s. It veers away from the typical ‘triangle’ sequence in a tragic love story, wherein scenes are pieced together during the film for a clear conclusion.
In some parts, it is impossible to know the context or to understand the side of Ellie when Eric finds out that she quit her job to start working on social programs, or when she would react unreasonably due to their clashing ideas on marriage. Such sequencing keeps its viewers on their toes as they try to figure out the ending of Eric and Ellie’s relationship.
Similar to how Eric’s side was misunderstood due to Ellie’s perspective of his beliefs being constricting, some scenes would depict him as boring or show him blaming her too much when things did not go his way.
Rosales’ performance reflected the desperation Eric holds, a testament to his discography across his various roles. Eric’s insufferable character is evident in his dismissive treatment of Ellie’s dreams and advocacies.
A clear evidence of this treatment is portrayed by Curtis throughout the film, as her spark was slowly taken away: from being able to do whatever she wishes, to slowly losing what she had in the guise of what is supposed to be compromise. It was an excellent portrayal of the actress as her character slowly lost patience with Rosales’ treatment, bit by bit as the movie went on.
“Multo” by Cup of Joe, encapsulates the essence of the film. The song mirrors how lovers will be haunted by each other as they break off a decade of love and sacrifice, and most especially, pain.
The ghosts of ‘what ifs’ and ‘what could have been’ will forever haunt Eric and Ellie. Had they only realized that they would never be on the same page, for Ellie, a purpose, and for Eric, a comfortable, stable life, the two would never escape such a specter.
Aside from their longing for each other, they are haunted by who they used to be when there was still an ‘and’ in between their individuality —of Eric and Ellie.
Both characters were severely flawed, Eric with his incessant want of changing Ellie, and Ellie missing several chances of explaining what she truly wants to Eric, opting to act first than explain later.
And yet it succeeded in delivering a message that while hardships and consequences may come in a special bond, silence is not a sacrifice, nor can it be considered a sign of love.
This film is an eye-opener for those looking for a sign to leave a relationship, a peek at what a long-term bond looks like for singles, or perhaps a validation for those who have left a long-term relationship and have been growing some doubts.
The film embodies how the best lovers do not always warrant the best outcome. For love may conquer all, that is, if you were on the same page. F — M. G.
