My 2 Mommies

My 2 Mommies is a 2018 Filipino comedy-drama film directed by Eric Quizon. This engaging movie stars Paolo Ballesteros and Solenn Heussaff, and showcase the award-winning performance by Maricel Soriano. The film is an entertaining blend of comedy and drama that centers on non-traditional family dynamics and the unanticipated circumstances that bring people together.

Paolo Ballesteros plays the role of Manu, a successful manager at an events company. He lives a fun-loving, freely expressive and a flamboyant lifestyle. He impresses the audience with his stellar performance and comic timings. He portrays a gay man who is comfortable in his skin who suddenly finds his life spiraling into an unexpected direction.

Solenn Heussaff is stunning as the sophisticated Monica, a woman of beautiful and intriguing mystery. Monica and Manu have a shared past that holds a secret, which surfaces many years later, turning their worlds upside down. This results in emotional turmoil, life-changing decisions, and sudden parenthood.

Legendary actress Maricel Soriano plays the character of Tita Sari, who is very much the voice of reason in the film. She offers a nurturing, matriarchal figure providing wisdom to the main characters when the truth unraveled. Maricel's performance in the film added a significant weight and depth to the storyline.

The plot revolves around Manu, who seems to be living a perfect life. A successful career and a vibrant social life complete his universe, until Monica steps back into his world. She brings with her a seven-year-old boy named Tristan, claiming to be Manu's son. Presented with the sudden reality of being a father, Manu's world is thrown into chaos as he tries to reconcile his lifestyle and his newfound role.

My 2 Mommies presents several relatable themes such as parenthood, acceptance, love, and understanding. It also touches upon societal issues regarding non-traditional families and how society perceives them. Amidst these challenges, the movie showcases the concept of a modern family, where blood relations do not necessarily define familial ties. As the lead characters come to terms with their situation, audiences are treated to a heartwarming exploration of family based on love and acceptance, set within the context of a comedic narrative.

Visually, the film is appealing with its vibrant cinematography, imbibing it with a warm and lively atmosphere. The movie strikes the perfect balance of humor and sentiment, effectively deploying comedy to lighten the heavy emotional scenes and avoiding a melodramatic atmosphere. Complemented by a strong script, the storyline is well-crafted, ensuring that the humor flows naturally without undermining the serious themes being addressed.

Furthermore, director Eric Quizon deserves praise for his intelligent handling of the subject matter. He blends comedy into the narrative very masterfully, allowing the film's heavier themes to be digested with ease by the audience. The cast's performance under his direction is commendable, as each character portrayal is nuanced and well-executed.

In terms of performances, Paolo Ballesteros does an exceptional job of portraying the complexity of his role. His adaptation of Manu as a gay man and an unexpected father prove his versatility as an actor. Solenn Heussaff is equally impressive, providing a powerful performance that goes beyond her regular on-screen personas. The unexpected bond that develops between Manu and Tristan is both amusing and heartwarming, exploring the personal changes each character undergoes as they interact with one another.

My 2 Mommies is a welcome addition to the growing lineup of films that explore LGBT-related themes in the Filipino context. Overall, the film successfully takes a unique approach to discussing non-traditional families and the importance of acceptance. The movie is not only a fun, entertaining watch but also a poignant exploration of societal norms and personal identities. By leveraging comedy to address serious, pertinent issues, My 2 Mommies serves up a captivating narrative that is both deeply engaging and thought-provoking.