Almost Us Review: In this Filipino romantic drama, viewers are once again transported to the messy world of best friends falling in love, with the added layer of a fanfic character adding complexity to their feelings. The film features all the tropes one would expect from a friends-turned-lovers dynamic, but there’s an infectious energy in the characters that helps viewers overcome the repetitive hurdle and enjoy 102 minutes of goofy feelings.
There’s something deeply personal about the chemistry between Janine and RR, as the latter helps Janine get closer to the star of her fanfic, Kenzo, and, in turn, confront what he is willing to sacrifice for her happiness. With a youthful vibe and relatable themes, this Filipino drama is sweet and sometimes melodramatic, but makes for good entertainment.
The film stars Fyang, JM Ibarra, Dustin Yu, JM Salvado, Sam Samarita, Yukii Takahashi, Che Ramos, and Lotlot Bustamante, and is directed by Dan Villegas.
Almost Us Review
A Familiar Best-Friends-to-Lovers Story With a Modern Touch
The best friends to lovers trope is not unknown to cinema lovers; in fact, it’s the most explored. However, there’s an ease and relatability to RR and Janine’s relationship that will pull most viewers to the story, despite its predictability. The already-established familiarity between the two characters gives their push and pull weight. RR already occupies an important place in Janine’s life, but maybe not the place that he wants. The conflict, thus, isn’t about finding a way into her life, but finding the right place in her life. It’s relatable and sweet, and RR is respectful enough not to go on slimy, exploitative territory.
The emotional imbalance between the two characters, especially as Janine runs after Kenzo, is an enjoyable and interesting watch. The question, as it always is, is whether RR wants to change the comfortable dynamic between them for something unsure and, possibly, unstable. What if it doesn’t work out? Will he lose the friendship altogether? It makes the tension all the more engaging, as the movie knows what’s at stake for two people at that age.
JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith Are the Film’s Biggest Strength
JM Ibarra and Fyang are possibly the best actors to be cast for these roles, as they share a very natural and believable chemistry. Their friendship feels genuine and grounded, and you understand their dynamic from the beginning. Their contrasting personality, although an obvious part of the story, are still able to make an impact.
Both the characters are written such that viewers will find them grounded and relatable. Neither is exaggerated to a degree where it seems improbable or silly, and so watching them explore their feelings and overcome the various obstacles in their life is refreshing.
Fyang gives Janine enough personality to make her spontaneous and charming instead of overdoing the melodrama. She balances the humour and the more vulnerable moments with ease, which adds to the character’s strength. JM Ibarra, meanwhile, provides the emotional grounding as he fights with his complicated feelings surrounding a situation that can go bad quickly. He spends most of the film navigating his complex feelings and trying to come to a decision, which makes viewers root for him.
The ‘Almost’ Is More Important Than the Romance
Almost Us tries to explore the frustrating space between friendship and romance when one of the parties is in love with the other. Could Janine and RR be something more than what they are, or will they lose their friendship if RR express his feelings? It’s a difficult situation that the film explores that is both emotional and frustrating. In a way, it’s also exciting and fear-inducing! The great unknown and the possibility of losing something good is enough to keep people on edge, and the film makes an effort to understand the complexity of these feelings and situations.
Where Almost Us Falls Short
Of course, despite all the interesting emotions that the film tries to explore, viewers will be able to figure out the tropes from a mile away. The contemporary elements add to the excitement, but, in the end, the core of the film is predictable, so much so that viewers will be able to guess what’s about to happen from a mile away.
Plus, although we get to know both of these characters thoroughly, there are moments when the film doesn’t focus on Janine and RR’s interests beyond romantic ambitions. It would’ve been great to know them more, especially because both the actors do a great job of making them likeable and multi-dimensional.
Final Verdict
Overall, Almost Us is an enjoyable watch, especially if you’re looking for something light and frothy. The central dynamic between Janine and RR is engaging and sweet, and the movie gets most of its beats right. Despite being predictable, there’s a freshness to it that will pull romantic movie lovers to it. While not reinventing the genre, this one has enough to make it entertaining.
Almost Us movie is streaming right now on Netflix. Did you watch the film? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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