Dear Other Self

Dear Other Self is a 2017 Filipino film directed by Veronica Velasco, and stars the well-acclaimed Filipino actress, Jodi Sta. Maria, widely familiar for her roles in a variety of both emotional and comedic films, and two charming leading men, Xian Lim and Joseph Marco, who have made their own niche in the realm of romantic projects.

The film takes on an interesting approach - a modern-day "Sliding Doors" narrative wrapped in a Filipino cultural context. In essence, Dear Other Self explores the consequences of our choices in life and the different paths every decision might lead us to. It's a divergent story of parallel lives, focusing primarily on the power of choices and their resulting repercussions on our lives, weaved into a seamless narrative bulked with humour, reflections, dilemmas, aspirations, and romance.

Jodi Sta. Maria takes on the role of Becky, a typical office worker who’s stressed out with her daily routine and feels trapped in her responsibility towards her family over her own happiness. Torn between her obligations and her desire for self-fulfillment, she reaches a point where she has to make a pivotal decision which will shape her life's journey.

On one hand, she chooses her obligation- to keep the job she tolerates to support her family. Here, the film portrays the stressful corporate life with all its challenges. It shows Becky pushing through the corporate grind while maintaining the balance of her work-life relationship and her bond with her family. Her pursuit to climb the career ladder is countered by her tendency to find love and intimate relationship, where Xian Lim's character, Chris, is introduced. Chris, is an office colleague who is a responsible family-oriented man.

On the other hand, the narrative identifies her desire for absolute freedom and independence. If she chases her own happiness, she will choose to risk everything and join her best friend on an adventure trip - a dazzling escape from reality. Along the way, she meets Joseph Marco's character, Henry, a free-spirited vagabond with a nomadic lifestyle, who brings a sense of excitement and unknown to Becky's life by introducing her to the world that transcends beyond her comfort zones.

The film utilises the characters of Xian Lim and Joseph Marco as both love interests and symbolic representations of the two very dichotomous life choices that Becky is wrestling with: stability over passion or freedom over responsibility. The story is interspersed with light-hearted humour, comic relief, and poignant scenes which heightens the quintessence of the narrative.

Dear Other Self portrays the beautiful contradictions and dilemmas between dreams and responsibilities, the push and pull between familial obligations and individual happiness, and the balance between stability and freedom – all embedded in the fabric of Filipino culture. The striking contrast between the two life choices shed light on larger life questions in a relatable, identifiable way for all audiences.

Adding depth to the plot are the supporting characters that seamlessly blend with our three protagonists, providing a well-rounded perspective to the narrative. As the story unwinds, viewers are guided into Becky's self-realization, metamorphosis, and maturity. It's an intriguing story to follow, as it doesn't just show two contrasting paths, but also the accompanying consequences and compromises attached to it.

The film beautifully drives the audience into introspection and self-evaluation on their personal choice-making habits, the balances to maintain and the sacrifices to endure. Dear Other Self, through its empathetic narrative and impeccable storytelling, teaches us that our choices, whether conforming or unconventional, will continuously shape and unravel the trajectory of our lives.

Dear Other Self is an ode to the modern struggle of balance and prioritisation between personal happiness and professional success. It's an impressive take on reflective storytelling that urges the audience into a state of contemplation about the 'what ifs' in their own journey. The film serves as an essential reminder that at every crossroads, there's no right or wrong choice, but only repercussions that mould us into who we are meant to be.