Lance Joseph Martinez

5 Reasons Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales’ ‘The Loved One’ Is a Must-Watch

Article (news)

<p>A lone Filipino film is premiering in Philippine cinemas this <strong>Valentine’s</strong> season, and <strong><em>The Loved One</em></strong> is set to make the season of hearts tender and bittersweet. The film explores the complexities of long-term relationships, navigating differences as a couple and confronting difficult conversations about marriage.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770962058105SnapInsta.to_619852844_18556057708048128_9035243019457085982_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Official poster of &#x27;The Loved One&#x27; | Photo from @jerichorosalesofficial</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Directed by <strong>Irene Emma Villamor</strong>,<strong> </strong>the movie reunites<strong> Anne Curtis </strong>and <strong>Jericho Rosales</strong> on screen after 15 years. It also marks the acting debut of<strong> Catriona Gray</strong>,<strong> </strong>adding another layer of excitement for audiences.</p><p>The story follows two former lovers who cross paths again after years apart. Now older and shaped by time, their conversations hint at a decade-long separation, revealing unresolved emotions and the realities that come with growing up and growing apart.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUmaEFskjge/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1524135%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Unlike the typical premiere-night cheers, <em>The Loved One</em> left the audience in reflective silence, a testament to the film’s heartfelt impact. Viewers took a moment to absorb its message, as it delicately explores the often-overlooked realities and emotional complexities of long-term relationships.</p><p>As we revisit the buzz surrounding its premiere, here are five reasons why the reunion film of Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, <em>The Loved One, </em>deserves a spot on your must-watch list this Valentine’s season.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The black-and-white cinematography<br/></strong></div><p>Usually, black-and-white scenes in films hint at the past. But for <em>The Loved One, </em>Director Irene turns that convention on its head. In a bold move, the present is rendered in black and white, creating a striking atmosphere that perfectly captures the emotions unfolding in real time.</p><p>At first, it may feel unusual, but as the story unfolds, the choice becomes undeniably clear. Add to that the film’s stunning cinematography, and it’s yet another reason audiences shouldn’t miss T<em>he Loved One.</em></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770963200558Screenshot 2026-02-13 at 2.11.20 PM.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Screenshot from @viva_films<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770963243839Screenshot 2026-02-13 at 2.10.40 PM.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Screenshot from @viva_films</span></span></span><em></em><br/></div><div><strong>Memorable dialogue and monologues<br/></strong></div><p>As expected from the director behind <strong><em>Sid &amp; Aya: Not a Love Story</em></strong><em></em><em>,</em><em></em><strong><em> Meet Me in St. Gallen</em></strong><em></em><em>,</em><em></em><strong><em> </em></strong>and <em><strong>Camp Sawi</strong>,<strong></strong></em> the writing and dialogue of <em>The Loved One</em> are unforgettable.</p><p>Every line between <strong>Ellie</strong> and <strong>Eric</strong>, played by Anne and Jericho, brims with pain, longing, hope, and fear, fully capturing the depth of their characters.</p><p>But what truly stands out are the monologues. Each delivers a raw, emotional punch, and by the end, Ellie’s monologue is a moment you’ll want to hear clearly—it’s that powerful.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770962170184SnapInsta.to_627685672_18565868656001674_1347024181590615173_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @annecurtissmith</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The film’s nonlinear storytelling</strong></div><p>Another bold choice in<em> The Loved One</em> is its nonlinear storytelling. Scenes jump from the present to five years ago, then 15 years back, followed by events from 10 years ago, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats—not with suspense or horror, but with curiosity to see how each moment connects.</p><p>This narrative complexity is brought to life not just by director Irene’s vision, but also by the powerhouse performances of Anne and Jericho. Their portrayals are so convincing and layered that you forget they aren’t a couple in real life, fully immersing you in the world of their characters.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770962194544SnapInsta.to_627582159_18565868668001674_2925499078955810693_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @annecurtissmith</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Captivating official soundtrack<br/></strong></div><p>A former couple reunites, and the perfect soundtrack sets the mood—just like <strong>Cup of Joe’s “Multo</strong>.<strong>”</strong></p><p>The song takes center stage in what might be the film’s most unforgettable moment, so viewers should keep an ear out for that scene when it plays.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Thought-provoking take on marriage<br/></strong></div><div><em>Warning: minor spoiler ahead!</em><br/><strong></strong></div><p>After 10 years together, Ellie and Eric have a moment where marriage enters the conversation. The film shines in this heartfelt scene, revealing that even long-term couples can be surprised by how their partner truly views marriage.</p><p>It’s a thoughtful and eye-opening moment, especially for couples considering taking their relationship to the next level.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770962217955SnapInsta.to_627582234_18565868710001674_2425572429007948518_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @annecurtissmith</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photo from <strong>@annecurtissmith</strong></p>