All of You

All of You is a 2017 Filipino romantic comedy movie, directed by Dan Villegas, starring the charismatic Derek Ramsay, the captivating Jennylyn Mercado, and the swaves Rafael Rosell. This beautifully crafted movie was featured in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, under the banner of Quantum Films, in association with MJM Productions and Tuko Film Productions. It stands out as a landmark in the world of Filipino romantic comedy cinema with its original take on modern relationships intertwined with nuances of life, love, and commitment.

Derek Ramsay plays the character of Gab, a successful and career-oriented businessman who thrives on maintaining absolute control in his life. His philosophy about relationships is no different; he cherishes his bachelorhood and doesn’t believe in the idea of settling down. He exudes a charismatic charm that’s beneficial in both his personal and professional life.

In sharp contrast to him, we have Jennylyn Mercado in the role of Gabby, a headstrong woman with vibrant dreams. She is hardworking, dedicated, and longs for a stable and sustained relationship. The realities of life and responsibilities haven't stripped her of her romantic beliefs.

Their worlds intersect when Gabby’s food app business ‘Delivericious’ catches Gab's eye, leading to initial interaction which slowly blooms into a romantic affair. Despite their contradicting philosophies about love and relationships, the pair embark on a journey filled with blissful moments, laughter, and passion, culminating in an agreement of a non-committal live-in relationship.

In the letterings of an archetypical romantic comedy, what ensues is a series of hilarious yet touching episodes as they strike a balance between their love, passion, and the stark realities of living together. Very soon, the protagonists realize that maintaining a no-strings-attached relationship is not as easy as it seemed at the outset.

Excellent supporting characters such as Rafael Rosell’s Vincent and Kean Cipriano’s Boyet beautifully complement the central theme, and their distinct storylines add richer coloring to the narrative. Their portrayals of complex love dynamics carry the story forward and make it more engaging.

As the movie unfolds, Gab and Gabby's breezy and carefree love life takes a turn as they wade into the deeper waters of their relationship. Their love starts bordering on commitment, leading to a series of disruptive moments. Their life becomes a rollercoaster ride filled with moments of love, happiness, arguments, fights and ultimate realizations about what they truly seek from life and each other.

Every element in the film is employed to build a relatable reality of everyday relationships. The screenplay is engaging, filled with humour, wit, and emotions, ensuring the viewers reminisce about their experiences. The direction is deft and masterful with a visual narrative that beautifully captures the essence of Manila's city life.

The comic timing of the ensemble cast is commendable and laudable. Derek Ramsay, with his impeccable acting skills, personifies the suave, urban man dealing with the dilemma of commitment, and Jennylyn Mercado is splendid in portraying the matters of heart and life of a modern-day woman. Together, their chemistry lights up the screen seamlessly, transcending the boundaries of traditional cinema and connecting on a personal level with the audience. Their portrayal of contemporary relationship struggles is both endearing and thought-provoking.

The movie brilliantly captures the essence of the modern generation grappling with the dichotomies of love and commitment, intertwined with the realities of cohabitation. It throws light on the complexities that come with love and the importance of understanding, compromise, and giving in a relationship.

Ultimately, All of You breaks the stereotypical portrayal of romantic comedies by weaving in elements of reality, humor and emotions perfectly. It is a delightful watch with an essential mix of wit, humor, romance and life lessons that would make the audience laugh, weep and ponder about the beautiful mess that love and relationships are in contemporary times.

Whether one is single, in a relationship, or in the complicated zone, All of You will resonate with every viewer who has dared to love, live, and learn. With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, an engaging storyline, impeccable performances, and a generous dose of reality, All of You is a genuine and compelling take on modern love.