Elise

Elise, a Filipino romantic drama film released in 2019, captivates the hearts of its viewers with a tale of love, recollection, and self-discovery. Directed by Joel Ferrer, the film charts the timelines of the two lead characters, Elise and Bert, portrayed by Janine Gutierrez and Enchong Dee respectively.

The narrative stems from the deep roots of childhood friendship and blossoms into a complex romance, imbued with nostalgic reminiscences and modern conflicts. The film skilfully portrays a relationship that evolves from innocent friendship to a mature understanding of love, life, and the intricate emotions associated with growing up. The film's nonlinear narrative seductively draws you in, weaving a love story told through the lens of memories, both bitter and sweet.

Elise, played by Janine Gutierrez, is an alluring and enigmatic woman. She is the film’s titular character, a free-spirited individual harbouring vulnerabilities concealed behind her vibrant façade. Janine portrays Elise beautifully and convincingly, adding depth and complexity to her character. Elise's backstory is assembled in pieces throughout the film, creating a unique, fathomable character that the audience can empathize with.

Opposite to her is Bert, played by Enchong Dee. Bert is a man holding onto his past and tormented by his still burning love for Elise. Enchong Dee brings life to Bert, delicately balancing the character's sensitivity and pervasive longing with an underlying strength that makes him relatable to audiences. Bert's love for Elise encompasses much of his life, and the narrative traces this tormented journey through the characters' memories, from the ecstasy of their young love to the heartache of their respective realities apart from one another.

The remarkable chemistry between Gutierrez and Dee enhances the film's narrative. Their performances complement each other and create an organic sense of history between the characters. Their romantic tension is palpable and their emotional journeys are intertwined tightly, providing emotional depth to their dilemmas and choices.

Victor Anastacio plays an important role in the movie as well. Although his character serves as somewhat of a foil to the two leads, his presence adds a unique dimension to the story. Anastacio's acting ability effectively highlights the complexities of friendship and love that drive the overall narrative.

The film draws upon multiple emotions, not just on the spectrum of romance, but also delves into friendships, familial ties, personal growth, and coming to terms with one's past. It also portrays the universal theme of unrequited love and the journey one takes to heal from it.

Furthermore, the film is set amidst the nostalgic backdrops of Manila and its various landscapes, thus reinforcing the timeline of the characters' history. The film employs this locale to stage the enduring passage of time, creating a visual representation of the characters' evolving relationships.

Elise is not just another romance narrative. It's a subtle exploration of love's complexities that is both endearing and poignant. It's both a heartfelt love story and a tribute to childhood friendships, capturing the innocence of youth and the complexities of maturity. It refuses to adhere to the conventional trope of romantic films, choosing instead to tread the difficult path of reality, signifying the idea that love is beautiful but also filled with trials, disappointments and growth.

Elise is a blend of humour and heartbreak, reality and dreams, pain and healing. It makes the audience reminisce about their past while rooting for the characters' future. It’s a well-executed, profoundly moving depiction of the power and complexities of love, offering a panoramic view of human emotions, cleverly wrapped in a delightfully engaging package.