Fans of James Reid and Nadine Lustre are in for a treat as one of the Philippines’ most popular love teams pair up for Antoinette Jadaone’s latest film “Never Not Love You”. Never Not Love You tells the story of Gio (James Reid) and Joanne (Nadine Lustre) about how they began their relationship and their ups and downs as the years go by.
The entire film in itself paints a picture of daily life in Makati. Antoinette Jadaone managed to not only write a very emotion-driven manuscript, she also directed all of the actors with such a natural touch to their facial expressions and movements. It’s as if the film was not a film at all – but a peek into the actual lives of Gio and Joanne as if they were real people.
Gio is a Filipino-American freelance graphic artist while Joanne is a trainee who’s out there to dream big and prove herself to the world to make her family proud. As a carefree guy seeks the hand of an ambitious young lady, the characters that James Reid and Nadine Lustre played were quite stereotypical at first. However, each stage of relationship was planned out and portrayed really well – from the initial kilig moments, up to the inevitable miscommunications from each side. Each scene is so realistic that it pulls the viewers to see themselves in the perspective of Gio or Joanne. The element of long distance relationship (LDR) was also infused really well that OFWs who are in a similar relationship will really relate and connect to both the ups and downs of being apart from your significant other.
Never Not Love You was shot mainly in three locations. The viewers will see Makati’s ever-so-busy streets and a bustling night life at the Squid Ink where Gio and Joanne work; the ‘Instagram-worthy’ nature sceneries of Iba, Zambales, the hometown of Joanne; as well as London’s beautiful sights and sounds. When the movie goes into several smooth transitions of scenes, Jadaone complements these with soundtracks that just add to the viewer’s emotional vibes. Sugarfree’s “Prom” sung by Ebe Dancel serves as the theme song of the movie is sung and/or heard at just the right moments as Jadine find themselves tangled up in their kilig moments.
The film follows the tried-and-tested formula for romance movies: But with the realistic drama infused by Jadaone coupled with a more mature side of James and Nadine for their roles, the audience will be kept hanging with excitement and enthusiasm at each scene. The audience will be on their seats trying to figure out how things will play out between Gio who now has a chance to begin a fruitful career but has to go overseas and Joanne, who already has a promotion waiting under her belt – with both of them thinking whether they should go or they should stay.
OFWs, especially those at a young age, will surely relate to Never Not Love You in the aspects of love and career. The film is set to begin screening in theatres across the UAE and GCC starting April 19.
