Love You to the Stars and Back

Love You to the Stars and Back is a poignant 2017 Filipino romantic comedy-drama film that dives deep into life, love, loss, and self-discovery. Launched under the renowned banner of Star Cinema and directed by Antoinette Jadaone, who is well-known in the industry for helming quintessential modern romance dramas, this movie is a touching expedition with stunning narrative twists and turns.

Center stage in the film are the extremely talented Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia, with noteworthy support from the gifted Carmina Villaroel. The lead actors bring an electrifying chemistry to the silver screen that leaves an inerasable mark on the audience's heart.

The movie traces the unexpected romance that brews between the two main characters, Mika and Caloy. Mika, played by the versatile Julia Barretto, is a young, quirky girl who embarks on a road trip with a seemingly ridiculous mission, to find aliens. We are introduced to her character right after she experiences a personal loss. Mika's expedition represents her unconventional and desperate way of looking for a gateway to escape the harsh realities of her life.

On the contrary, Joshua Garcia's character Caloy, is battling his personal challenges, laden with profound heartbreak and a unnerving struggle with a life-threatening disease. He is a kid-at-heart, though he sports an upfront and straightforward approach to life. The contrast between Mika and Caloy's perspectives presents an interesting narrative, a canvas for their personalities to seamlessly blend despite their distinct backgrounds and purpose.

Their paths cross serendipitously, and what follows is a heartfelt journey filled with laughter, tears, and numerous soul-stirring moments. Through their shared escapade, Mika and Caloy grow fond of each other, understanding, comforting, and healing each other's wounds in ways they had not anticipated.

The pair discovers a deep bond and undeniable connection, amid shared adversities, comical disagreements, and heartfelt conversations. Their witty banters, emotional exchanges, and eventual mutual feelings form the crux of the story. This journey brings forth an unexpected onset of love, the pragmatic kind of love that dawns upon you slowly and steadily. It tenderly takes on the themes of existential crisis, personal grief, and terminal illness, offering a roller coaster ride of emotions for its viewers.

Carmina Villaroel delivers a compelling performance as Mika's hard-working, loving mother. Her character brings depth and provides an additional layer to Mika’s storyline, connecting the dots and bringing forth the bigger picture poignantly.

The storytelling is accentuated with exceptionally beautiful cinematography that naturally blends with the storyline, leading it forward. The picturesque countryside and the vibrant cityscape serve as a backdrop for the characters' whimsical endeavours and their individually transformative journeys. The filmmakers' detail-oriented approach, from the decision of music blending with the cinematic moments to the choice of locales, offers an immersive cinematographic experience that enhances the emotional journey of the characters and the viewers alike.

The film, being handled with strong grip in its direction, layered characters and nuanced performances creates a beautifully orchestrated blend of romance, comedy, and drama. Additionally, it aims to crack the age-old cinematic cliché of a fairy-tale romance. The film does not rush into painting a picture-perfect love story but allows the characters and viewers to step into the real world, where love is raw, real, and surprisingly uplifting in the darkest of times.

'Love You to the Stars and Back' is packed with emotional depth that challenges the conventions of typical romance dramas. It navigates the complexity of human emotions and relationships with maturity and sincerity and leaves a lingering impact long after one exits the cinema. This movie is an emotional roller coaster worth riding, a remarkable story that explores the magic of young love while also provoking deeper contemplation about life, loss, and what lies beyond.