Four Sisters Before the Wedding

Four Sisters Before the Wedding is a must-see 2020 Filipino family drama and a prequel to the critically acclaimed 2013 Filipino movie, "Four Sisters and a Wedding." The film is directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar and stars an ensemble group of young and talented actresses: Alexa Ilacad, Belle Mariano, Charlie Dizon, and Gillian Vicencio. This feel-good coming of age film is empowered by their standout performances that bring a refreshing and resonant air to the plot.

The plot of Four Sisters Before the Wedding transports the audience back to 2003, ten years before the events of its predecessor, and unravels the intricate family dynamics. We witness the complex relationship between the young Salazar sisters - Teddie (Charlie Dizon), Bobbie (Alexa Ilacad), Alex (Gillian Vicencio), and Gabbie (Belle Mariano). The film pivots around how they navigate this sustaining bond while grappling with their unique identities, transitions of adolescence, and life's curveballs.

Teddie, the eldest and determined dreamer, aspires to become a teacher. Bobbie, pragmatic yet compassionate, is passionate about her math-centric pursuits, while Alex navigates her path as a writer, partaking in theatrics and fast-paced adventures. Finally, Gabbie, the youngest yet the voice of reason, is constantly seeking balance as the peacekeeper amidst the lively and chaotic household.

Emphasizing a heartwarming narrative of sisterhood, Four Sisters Before the Wedding spotlights the ingredient of intense sisterly love and countless disagreements that are often integral to tight-knit families. The sisters share their triumphs, pains, dreams, and secrets with each other, strengthening their bond as they grow.

While the Salazar sisters never fail to back one another, the film leaves no stone unturned in depicting the familial tensions ensuing from conflicting personalities and differing aspirations. The narrative weaves together a patchwork of arguments, reconciliations, joyful occurrences, heartbreaks, and milestones in their lives, maintaining an engaging connection with the viewers throughout.

Alongside the colorful canvas of adolescence, the film thoughtfully puts forward themes of self-discovery, ambition, and unfair societal norms, offering an insight into society's conditioned outlook towards girls and young women. It navigates through familial issues, societal pressures, and burgeoning love interests, providing a holistic portrayal of adolescence and familial relationships.

Fans of the original movie will definitely enjoy this prequel as it fills in the backstory for each sister and develops the characters’ personalities with great detail, giving viewers new insights into the events that shaped them. Those new to the franchise will equally enjoy this cinematic gem as it unfolds an engaging and heartfelt story that stands firm on its own.

The performance of each actress brings out the distinct personality of their character convincingly. Alexa Ilacad as Bobbie provides a performance filled with depth and nuance, revealing layers to the determined yet caring individual she is destined to become. Charlie Dizon's portrayal of Teddie allows viewers to empathize with her dreams and pressures as the eldest sister, while Gillian Vicencio, as the fiery Alex, injects a vibrancy to the screen. Belle Mariano's portrayal of Gabbie is subtle yet profound, perfectly encapsulating the character's intelligence and maturity.

Director Mae Cruz-Alviar outdoes herself as each scene meticulously portrays the trials and tribulations of adolescence through a poignant narrative. The helms also solemnly addresses thought-provoking themes, while ultimately encapsulating the trials and tribulations of youth against the backdrop of a Filipino household.

Apart from the substantial storyline and versatile performances, the film's skilled storytelling, comedy, and creative touch make for an engaging watch. Mingling profoundness with light-heartedness, the film presents a realistic, relatable perspective towards the bonding and bantering of the siblings.

Four Sisters Before the Wedding is more than a prequel; it's a standalone Philippine cinema classic that excellently portrays the beautiful complexity of sisterly love, youth, and the pressures of growing up. Whether it's the nostalgia it triggers or the helpful life lessons it silently imparts, the movie offers a touching, relatable, and insightful family drama that the audience of all ages would enjoy.