REALISTIC YET CHARMING

Posted by Jojo Devera ,


     To characterize Monday First Screening (Net 25 Films, Lonewolf Films, 2023) as just another product of the rom-com assembly line is to ignore the depth of feeling Gina Alajar and Ricky Davao bring to their performances. It is also to neglect the wisdom of writer-director Benedict Mique’s screenplay co-written with Aya Anunciacion, the eloquent portrait it develops of aging alone and the ways Mique illustrates the profound comfort of finding someone when all hope for doing so seems lost. He consistently frames the characters in a fashion that places them at odds with their surroundings. Lydia (Alajar) and Bobby's (Davao) awkward pick-up scene isn’t pathetic, it’s funny and terse, crackling with the sound of defense mechanisms slowly being lowered. Monday First Screening is a comedy with no big surprises, but in the age of Internet dating, the prospect of two strangers trying valiantly to connect in public carries a dash of romantic heroism. Alajar as accomplished an actress as any we have brings the hesitant, formal demeanor of a person resigned to a life of loneliness. Davao, an expert at using his body language to imbue mundane moments with significance, makes the most of his director’s generosity in a performance rife with masterful understatement. The pair might not have much to do other than to play off each other but Alajar and Davao make a fun couple. They aren’t going to set the world on fire with their passion, but we can see why they would enjoy spending time together. 

     Even when Mique asks them to perform doubtful bits of comedy, they pull it off with professional nonchalance that is fun to watch. The chemistry between Alajar and Davao is as uncanny as it is convincing. On the surface Alajar has, what might for many actresses be, a thankless role as the love interest. Instead she pulls the character in from the wings to take her rightful place, center stage. With superb supporting performances courtesy of Soliman Cruz and Ruby Ruiz, Monday First Screening is real cinema for grown-ups. Observing the trajectory of the central relationship is an experience as uplifting and powerful as any to be had at the movies. Monday First Screening is the kind of film that probably wouldn't get much attention if it were released at any other time. An unambitious romance aimed at grown-ups, it deserves the handful of champions it will find. It's a small movie of simple pleasures that's easily forgotten when it's over. Monday First Screening is your basic romantic nugget sweetened by its cast. The plot gives us little more than basic romcom primer before throwing these two together. Included, of course, are a meet-cute, misunderstandings and a happy ending with lessons leaned about love and life. Finally, a romantic drama worth investing in, Monday First Screening is a realistic yet charming film. If you think you've seen it already, stop. We may have seen mature romantic drama wannabes but this is the real deal.


Sound Engineer: Armand de Guzman

Musical Director: Isha Abubakar

Film Editor: Noah Tonga

Production Designer: Eric Torralba

Director of Photography: Owen Berico

Screenplay: Aya Anunciacion, Benedict Mique

Directed By: Benedict Mique