Catching the first screening of a film is a rare luxury. While work kept me from the red-carpet premiere, there is something uniquely intimate about watching a story unfold in a quiet cinema. It feels less like a media event and more like a private conversation between the filmmaker and the viewer.
Finally sitting down for Dan Villegas’ Almost Us, starring JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, I was curious to see where it would land in the pantheon of Philippine “best friend” rom-coms. We’ve been spoiled in the past with the iconic chemistry of Marvin and Jolina in Labs Kita, Okey Ka Lang? (1998) and the polished charm of She’s The One (2013). But where those films leaned into the archetypes of their eras, Almost Us feels distinctly tailored for this generation—raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically human.
Let’s watch the trailer first.
One of the film’s strongest pros is its honesty. Director Dan Villegas doesn’t shy away from the sexual tension or the physical intimacy between the leads. We’ve finally moved past the era where restrictive “no-kiss” contracts stifled the realism of Pinoy cinema. In Almost Us, the kisses and the tension aren’t just for fan service; they make the story believable. After all, let’s be real: young, reckless love is physical. It’s messy. By acknowledging that, the film bridges the gap between the screen and the audience’s lived experiences.
While the pacing occasionally stumbles—some scenes felt like they could have been tightened to build the central conflict faster—the sharp comedic timing keeps the momentum afloat.
Fyang Smith is a revelation. I have reviewed how she transition from her standout performance in Ghosting (iWant) to the big screen and she proves that the “Maricel Soriano” comparisons aren’t just hype. For a newcomer, her wit and comedic “punches” feel like the work of a seasoned veteran. She owns her space.
Complementing her is JM Ibarra, who brings a grounded, soulful energy. Fresh off his self-auditioned role in Cinemalaya, JM proves he is a serious dramatic contender. His connection with Fyang feels less like “acting” and more like a genuine byproduct of comfort and trust. If you were to ask me, this is the “secret sauce” of any successful rom-com. A worthy mention must also be made of Dustin Yu, whose charisma adds a necessary layer to the story. While his character, Kenzo, could have used a bit more narrative depth, Dustin’s screen presence is undeniable and I think I can live with that. Naks dudu nice one!
While some might argue the “best-friends-to-lovers” trope is overused, Almost Us digs deeper into the moral complexity of emotional safety.
For me, the movie actually serves as a constant reminder of how comfort can be a double-edged sword. We often mistake the ease of a long-term friendship for romantic destiny. The moral lesson here isn’t just about “confessing your love”; it’s about the integrity of self-confrontation.
The story revolves how we often hide our true feelings under the guise of “protecting the friendship,” when in reality, we are just protecting our own egos from the sting of rejection. Taylor swift wrote about a song, Ruin the Friendship and that is something to talk about that relates to this film. Right? The movie literally teaches us that staying in the “almost” is a choice, but it’s a costly one. I’d say that by refusing to confront the truth, we live in a “beautifully confusing” limbo that eventually becomes a cage. Gosh naiiyak ako, ang smart nitong movie to capture the real one!
The film’s “perfect timing” is a gut-punch to anyone who has ever looked back and wondered, “What if I had just spoken up?” It tells us that while young love is allowed to be careless, growing up requires the courage to be honest—even if that honesty changes the relationship forever.
Almost Us is more than an entertaining watch; it’s a mirror. It captures the essence of a generation that is brave enough to kiss but often too terrified to talk. It’s a nostalgic, humorous, and heart-wrenching trip down memory lane that will leave you thinking about your own “almost” long after the credits roll.
Rating: Highly Recommended.
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