Forget everything you think you know about traditional rom-coms. This February, we aren’t just getting a love story; we’re getting an autopsy of one.

Opening in cinemas nationwide on February 11, The Loved One marks the long-awaited return of Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales. Directed by Irene Emma Villamor—the mastermind who gave us Sid & Aya and Meet Me in St. Gallen—this film is officially the only local Valentine’s offering of the season. And honestly? It’s the only one we need.

Moving Beyond the “Happily Ever After”

The film introduces us to Ellie (Anne) and Eric (Jericho), former lovers who find themselves in a quiet, high-stakes reunion ten years after their final goodbye. As Eric waits for her, he begins to piece together the fragments of their past, searching for the exact “glitch” where a great love started to unravel.

Director Irene Villamor has dubbed this an “angst-romantic” drama. It’s for anyone who has ever stared at an old photo and wondered, “Where did we go wrong?” It asks the haunting question: In every relationship, are you the lover, or are you the loved one?

A Miss Universe Moment

Adding to the film’s undeniable intrigue is the cinematic debut of Catriona Gray. We’ve seen her conquer the world stage, but seeing her step into a pivotal, layered role on the big screen adds a whole new dimension to this narrative. The “Queen” is officially entering her actress era, and the buzz on set is that she holds a key piece to Ellie and Eric’s puzzle.

The Sound of Heartache

You can’t have a modern Filipino masterpiece without the perfect soundtrack. The film’s emotional heartbeat is set to the Billboard Philippines hit “Multo” by Cup of Joe. If you’ve heard the track, you know it perfectly captures that feeling of memories that refuse to stay buried—ghosts of who we used to be when we were in love.

Why You Need to See This in Cinemas

In a world of streaming, The Loved One is a reminder of why we fell in love with the big screen in the first place. It’s intimate, it’s emotional, and it’s meant to be experienced in the dark, surrounded by the collective sighs and sniffles of a theater full of people who have also loved and lost.

Whether you’re going with a partner, your best friends, or going solo to process your own “fragmented memories,” this is the movie of the year.

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🎬 Essential Viewing Guide

• Title: The Loved One
• Starring: Anne Curtis, Jericho Rosales, & Catriona Gray
• Director: Irene Emma Villamor
• Release Date: February 11, 2025 (Nationwide)
• Presented by: Cornerstone Studios & Viva Films