Disclaimer: Spoiler alert

My Amanda is a refreshing treat we never thought we needed.

In the advent of such best-friends-who-turn-into-lovers classic romantic comedy premise, some people may view this film as another run-of-the-mill romantic movie, but it is not. Surprisingly, it is one quality-made and endearing love story of two best friends.

Written and Directed by Alessandra de Rossi herself, My Amanda brought us to another world of romance as Alessandra ingeniously explored the power of friendship sprouting into romance. My Amanda, a Filipino film now available on Netflix, focuses in exploring the beauty platonic friendship can offer.

The story

Amanda (Alessandra de Rossi) and TJ (Piolo Pascual) are best friends who are utterly comfortable to each company. They have no problem sharing a twin bed, bursting into the bathroom when the other using the shower, and  just like other two bestfriends, they too have tagged themselves Fuffy and Fream. They seg more often about their relationship and the fact that it’s never turned into anything more, but neither one of them seem to want to pursue it. Family and friends try to push them together, but they shrug it off, appreciating their bond on how precious it is. Amanda, wrapping around from a recent breakup with her fiancé Kelvin, considers whether or not getting back together with him is the right choice. Amanda and TJ decide hit the road, party it up, and get matching tattoos in the meantime.

My Amanda is a relief amidst the ennui and agony that is 2021. This movie served us experience that is enough for us to respite from reality. Although it has a tragic and sad ending, the film still succeeded to entertain its audience with its powerful genre. The casting worked well with the story. Alessandra de Rossi and Piolo Pascual had this chemistry that was visually convincing to persuade the viewers with their BFF relationship. As I watched this film, I felt like there was no script at all and they were genuinely conversing in every sequence, and it made the film more appealing and bearing. The color grading also played a huge role to accurately deliver what every sequence has to make the audience feel. On the other hand, the cinematography also guided me on the emotions in every sequence and I think it’s beautiful.

My Amanda also succeeded in what the film wants to teach us — that true love comes in many form, and it can be platonic as well. The movie teaches us that love knows how to compromise — to sacrifice. That true love doesn’t always have to have labels. That we can’t force things that are not meant to happen. And sometimes, living in a world for you two where you are certain to be together until the end is better than to live in another world where everything’s uncertain.