Un/Happy For You Review: A Joshlia Closure Movie

by Summit

It’s a regular day or so I thought when I decided I wanted to watch a movie. I’m not feeling a Marvel film or a Swift-scored movie. I chose a local film. I may be Tiktok-washed of Joshua in the past and the Dancing Queen in the black dress, Julia. So, this movie is a closure for me.

I did not watch the trailer before going in. I think it made me yearn for more in the story. All I have was the Joshlia-broken heart and an inquisitive mind of what encounter I might have. (I have read they cried ’cause of the movie so I know I was in it for a good cry.)

I came in when the theater was already dark. People were already enjoying the cinema reminders. I sat down with the popcorn on my right and I’ll tell you what’s left later.

Banking on the Past

The movie started with a virtual tour of Naga. I haven’t explored it but I have been in the region. It’s really hot and nice. You will meet Chef Juancho of Casa Rosa – the character you will root, love, hate, and end with a 🤨 face.

And, they met. Zy (which I don’t recall getting her full name) was almost run over. I don’t have any idea what happened to these two characters. All I know was there was awkward air in that scene. It felt they were banking on the actors’ part and it made me feel confused at first. For me, I was watching two people who shared love and chose separate paths and now forced to have a meet-cute. (Forced is a strong term but it has to feel forced. Though the chemistry is just too strong)

“Ashira Grevinda Mama Ajaarum” was the one I recalled during that scene. It was from their previous movie, Love You to the Stars and Back. There is still an undeniably chemistry. I was kinda impatient to know why these two broke up.

Then, this line.

Wala siyang karapatang maging masaya. Tang!na niya!
Chef Juancho

This made me hate Zy – how ambitious and self-centered she is. Juancho’s perspective was too inviting for you to side with him. He was the victim. He was left alone while everything was falling apart. I know most people have felt that – both left alone and when everything was falling apart. I hope everyone is still fighting ’cause I know how painful it is – both of it.

Casa Rosa: A Dream (?) Come True

While this is a story about love. This is a story about Casa Rosa. It’s a story on its own how a business can level up. Moreover, this depicts the abundant culture in Naga. As I previously mentioned in an article, Star Cinema really attached a prominent place to its movies. This is a successful integration of Naga to the lore.

This movie will make you crave Bicolano food. Whether you like spicy food or not, you should try to visit the Bicol region for its rich cuisine. It’s beyond the dish that have gone mainstream Metro Manila taste. There is more to laing and Bicol Express.

However, this failed to make me fall in love to Naga as they did to Batanes in You’re my Boss and Mt. Pinatubo in A Beautiful Disaster. Or, they did not try. The transitions were telling.

But, the lolas were one of the things I liked about this movie. They were instrumental on showing how Pinoys cope from heartbreak.

Truth Reveal

You know that’s not the only truth. It was compelling to believe Zy had her own reasons. She’s a victim too. She tried to keep it together – keep them together.

Some people wouldn’t understand her. Some people will only feel Juancho’s pain. But, she suffered too. What’s more painful than Juancho’s is that we may not understand why she did it. You should watch the movie how crafty it revealed both truths and how it wanted you to root for them. Tears definitely fell when reality hits you that sometimes you need people to let you go to grow.

Ambigat na ako na lang yung lumalaban
Zy

Up to this point, the movie made love Zy, hate Zy, and feel Zy.

The Subplots

There are different love stories that were presented. The JP-Froi may not have a happy ending but will make you believe Love lives on. The Tin-Jon makes you believe love conquers distance. But, the unconditional love Juancho received from Tito Jun was commendable. When all the family drama has taken over someone’s gold, it’s a breath of fresh air.

While there are several forms of love in this movie, it highlighted the most painful. People like Juancho who love craziest are the unlucky ones. But, who knows if someone can love you like crazy.

Bong Gonzales and Kaila Estrada are scene stealer. I just love seeing them on-screen.

Realization

For the people who watched this movie happy, it’s the glance on your left that kept you thinking – is this human gonna be my Zy or my Juancho?