My Ex & Whys

My Ex & Whys is a 2017 Filipino romantic drama film directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. The film stars renowned Filipino performers Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil along with the veteran actor Joey Marquez. With the dynamic chemistry between the lead stars, under the direction of an acclaimed filmmaker, this film truly encapsulates the essence of Filipino romantic comedies.

Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, popularly known as LizQuen, have always been recognized for their on-screen chemistry, and in My Ex & Whys, they deliver a heart-touching portrayal of young lovers striving to mend a broken relationship. The movie crafts a compelling narrative, replete with moments that will make you smile, laugh out loud, and even shed a tear.

Calixta, or “Cali,” played by Liza Soberano, is an active blogger known as "Blogger Girl" in the virtual world. Her online identity is a platform where she raises questions about love, relationships, and why exes do what they do. On the other hand, we have Enrique Gil, who essays the character of Gio Martinez, a charismatic and successful man with a flirty persona.

After experiencing a devastating fallout in their romantic relationship, Cali and Gio cross paths again. The movie hence beautifully captures the journey of these two characters who have to deal with their unresolved past baggage and lingering emotions. It is a narrative that vacillates between the past and the present, exploring the complexity of love and the question of second chances.

Director Cathy Garcia-Molina, known for her successful body of work in the rom-com genre in Filipino cinema, manages to present an engaging story combined with a deep emotional core. Garcia-Molina isn’t afraid to explore the intricacies of modern relationships and the impact of social media on them. “My Ex & Whys" is not just an entertaining movie, but it also delivers a thought-provoking message about the delicacies of the heart and how the past molds present actions and decisions.

The screenplay skillfully ties in elements of humor, heartbreak, and healing in a manner that is all too relatable for the audience. The direction excels in bringing out the best of the actor’s performances and creating a level of comfort and coherence between the scenes.

Liza Soberano presents a charming performance as Cali, carrying the weight of her character’s emotions with sincerity on her shoulders. Enrique Gil, on the other hand, is commendable as he embraces Gio's complex persona with ease, delivering some emotionally charged scenes with utmost conviction. Together, they bring forth a certain level of authenticity to their roles that anchors the film.

Joey Marquez, playing a supporting role, offers some light comic relief, ensuring the balance of the narrative. The film also boasts a rich set of supporting characters that add depth to the narrative while enhancing the central storyline.

Technical aspects of the movie also deserve a mention. From scenic locations and intricate production design to the situational background score, everything contributes to set the overall tone of the film. The cinematography captures the essence of both city and rural life beautifully. The musical score is harmoniously in tune with the emotional magnitude of the story.

While on the surface, My Ex & Whys may seem like an ordinary tale of heartbreak and healing, there is much more to it when you delve deeper. It strives to find answers to questions that many of us often wonder about after a break-up. Why did it not work? Could things have been different? Is getting back together the right thing to do?

The depth in storytelling, paired with the relatable characters, make My Ex & Whys a captivating watch. It’s more than just a film; it's a journey of self-discovery, growth, forgiveness, understanding, and perhaps, closure. It's a poignant exploration of love - its beauty and its ability to cause pain - that leaves viewers pondering the ‘whys’ in their relationships, past or present. Despite the challenging theme, the film manages to encompass the core of Filipino romantic movies, which is nothing but love itself. The heartbreaking yet uplifting narrative, the powerful performances, and the relatable characters make My Ex & Whys a must-watch for all rom-com and Filipino film enthusiasts.