‘Ex Ex Lovers’ delivers nostalgia with thoughtful message

CEBU, Philippines — “Ex Ex Lovers” isn’t just a screen comeback for Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin as a love team. As the film ends, director JP Habac and screenwriters Antoinette Jadaone and Kristine Gabriel dedicate the story to its titular stars. “Para kay Jolina at Marvin” appears on screen after the credits roll, accompanied by nostalgic throwback photos of Magdangal and Agustin.

For fans of Jadaone and Habac’s “Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast”, this tribute comes as no surprise. Both filmmakers are part of the Batang ‘90s generation who grew up watching Magdangal and Agustin at their peak, and this film is their heartfelt homage to the duo and their legacy.

Yet, “Ex Ex Lovers” doesn’t shy away from exploring why its titular characters are exes in the first place and why they should remain that way.

Out now in cinemas by Warner Bros. Philippines and produced by Project 8 Projects and Cornerstone Studios, Magdangal and Agustin portray ex-lovers Joy and Ced. Because there is no divorce in the Philippines, they are still legally married but have been separated and estranged for years.

Joy raises their daughter, SC (Loisa Andalio), on her own while Ced lives abroad in Malta. When SC gets engaged to Joey (Juan Karlos), she asks Joy to find her father so he can walk her down the aisle.

Joy hesitates. She is worried that SC marrying at a young age just as she did may repeat her mistakes. Despite her reservations, she ultimately agrees to fulfill her daughter’s wish.

In Malta, Joy reconnects with Ced, who clearly still harbors feelings for her. SC eventually warms up to Ced, and they all return to the Philippines together – but under one condition: Ced must help Joy stop SC’s wedding.

The first half of the film is pure ‘90s nostalgia, utilizing tropes from Filipino romantic comedies of the ‘90s and 2000s. Nearly every character, except Joy, tries to reunite her with Ced, creating plenty of kilig moments and lighthearted humor that are sure to make the tandem’s fans swoon.

While the nostalgia is delightful, the film takes a more grounded, realistic turn in its second half. It delves into the emotional scars Joy carries from Ced’s past negligence as a husband. Eventually, Ced and SC realize that Joy is genuinely happier as a solo parent.

With this twist, the film delivers pointed commentary on Filipino culture’s obsession with reuniting ex-lovers, sending a poignant message about why some couples are better off staying apart.

The film also cleverly weaves in social commentary on the Philippines’ lack of divorce laws and how it affects children raised by separated parents. One standout scene showcases a tense dinner confrontation between SC’s parents and Joey’s parents, highlighting the social and cultural divides that influence how they raise their respective children.

This speaks to Jadaone’s knack for subverting audience expectations. She skillfully uses fan service as a vehicle for social commentary, encouraging viewers to reflect on the realities behind their nostalgia.

Jadaone employed a similar approach in her previous film “Fangirl”, starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino, where she deconstructed fan culture and parasocial relationships. The narrative explored how idolizing public figures can lead to disillusionment when they fall short of the idealized versions fans create – some of which carry political implications.

Even with its realistic themes, “Ex Ex Lovers” delivers a satisfying and heartwarming ending that gives fans of Magdangal and Agustin’s team-up the payoff they crave. It strikes the right balance of tribute and nostalgia for the love team while offering much-needed social commentary. Three and a half stars out of five. — (FREEMAN)