On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets (2020)

Love, escapism and addiction.

A romance film with a dark and artsy indie film tone might not be everyone's cup of tea, but this film is a win for me. This film centers around the character of Jane — a struggling actress, a strong woman on the outside, but beneath her facade lies a hidden pain and a reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. Despite the dull mood and tone rather than the typical sunny and cheerful romance formula, in my opinion, this film really delivers the emotions it intended quite effectively. Director Irene Villamor puts flaws, imperfections, problems, and struggles at the forefront—the real issues people are facing in real life and in a relationship. And the film does not glamorize or romanticize Jane's struggles, but instead presents them in a stark and unfiltered light.

The script is not super neat. There are a few loopholes and somewhat draggy plots, but despite that, I like that this film doesn't offer easy answers or tidy resolutions. The idea of "love is not always the answer" is on point. I love how Jane and Francis' relationship is not portrayed as a quick fix to Jane's issues. It shows the harsh reality of using alcohol as a crutch and the destructive impact it can have on a person's life and relationships. But despite the issues and heavy subject matter, the film also has moments of tenderness between Jane and Francis. Their dynamic is complex and layered, mirroring the struggles of real-life individuals grappling with similar issues. The visual storytelling aspect is also on point and I found myself drawn into its dark, but somehow hopeful world.

In my opinion, the strength of this film is definitely the performance. Bela Padilla really shines in her role. Her multi-dimensional portrayal of Jane, a character walking a tightrope between strength and vulnerability, is rather complex, but she delivers it perfectly. From moments of quiet introspection to explosive outbursts of emotion, Padilla infuses her performance with a raw authenticity that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. JC Santos's performance might not be as outstanding, but his presence still manages to bring layers to the story. Their undeniable chemistry never fails to make me swoon.

Overall, it may not be the most outstanding film of the JC-Bela tandem, but I consider it a poignant and thought-provoking film that delves into the dark and gritty realities of alcoholism and entertainment. It also serves as a reminder that sometimes, love is not enough to heal our wounds and that true healing begins with facing our demons and taking control of our own destiny.

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