This review may contain spoilers
Love, Curses, and a Dash of Magic: A Rom-Com That Won’t Disappear from Your Heart
My Love Will Make You Disappear" is a delightful 2025 Philippine romantic comedy directed by Chad Vidanes, with a screenplay by Patrick Valencia and Isabella Policarpio, based on a concept by Prime Cruz. Starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino in their first big-screen pairing, the film effortlessly blends romance, humour, and just the right touch of magical realism.
At its heart, the story follows Sari (Kim Chiu), a woman who believes she is cursed—every man she loves mysteriously disappears. To protect herself (and any potential suitor), she swears off romance altogether. Enter Jolo (Paulo Avelino), a brooding yet charming landlord who’s struggling to keep his inherited apartment complex afloat. As they work together to prevent their community from being displaced, their connection grows, challenging Sari’s deep-seated fears and Jolo’s own emotional baggage.
If you're looking for a complex, mind-bending narrative, this isn’t the film for you. But if you want a warm, lighthearted, and utterly charming rom-com, My Love Will Make You Disappear delivers in spades. The story doesn’t try to be more than what it is—a fun, feel-good love story with just enough depth to keep it engaging. It leans hard into its romantic comedy roots, and honestly? That’s part of its charm.
Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu are already industry veterans, and their chemistry is undeniable. They make the sappy, giddy moments work, and even the cornier jokes land thanks to Paulo’s effortless deadpan delivery. Sure, not every punchline hits, but that’s part of the magic of their dynamic. They don’t need grand, overly dramatic moments to sell their love story—it just works.
Beyond the leads, the supporting cast brings colour and heart to the film. Jennica Garcia is a standout, proving once again that she’s a powerhouse actress. Meanwhile, Ruffa Mae Quinto and Bernard Palanca as the loan sharks? Equal parts brutal and hilarious. And let’s not forget Migs Almendras and Mart Escudero, who portray a domestic same-sex couple with warmth and authenticity. Their relationship is respectfully written and well-represented, adding another layer of relatability to the film.
One of the biggest surprises? The movie version of “Dilaw” by Maki—an absolute banger of a song that fits the film’s tone beautifully. I can already picture this becoming the go-to wedding song of the year. The cinematography is also a visual treat, capturing the warmth and vibrance of the Tahanan Homes community, which serves as more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself.
The film might not reinvent the rom-com wheel, but it understands its audience and delivers exactly what it promises—a heartfelt, humorous, and swoon-worthy romance. It reminds us that love isn’t about avoiding pain or hiding from fear; it’s about embracing the unknown, taking risks, and allowing yourself to be loved.
Would I have wanted deeper character arcs? Maybe. But did I need them? Not really. The film knows what it’s about, and it doesn’t try to be anything else. It’s a love letter to Filipino rom-coms, and it succeeds.
So, if you’re in the mood for a film that makes you laugh, swoon, and feel all warm inside, My Love Will Make You Disappear is a must-watch. Trust me, it won’t vanish from your memory anytime soon.
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"Might be better on a second watch?"
I love how the movie feels light and easy to watch, but for me… it just kind of exists. If you're a fan of both leads, you'll definitely feel giddy and thrilled watching them together—but if you're looking for emotional depth or layered storytelling, this might not hit the mark.Personally, I expected more—especially from the title. The plot had great potential, but I was really hoping they’d dive deeper into Jolo and Sari’s individual stories. It felt a bit rushed, like there was more to tell but not enough time to tell it.
I guess part of my disappointment comes from the fact that both of these amazing actors have delivered incredible performances before—like in Linlang and What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim. So my expectations were kind of high. Maybe it’s also because it’s a movie, and there's only so much they can fit in without dragging the story.
Still, I really hope they work together again in the future—but next time, in something more meaningful and emotionally rich. Something like Paulo Avelino’s I’m Drunk, I Love You—now that’s my kind of film.
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