If you want to start the year in a romantic mood, Hold Me Close from the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival might just be the film for you. Produced by Ninuno Media and distributed by Viva Films, Hold Me Close is directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and stars a reuniting Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino.
Barretto and Aquino’s first film together, Expensive Candy, was also directed by Laxamana, and told the story of a high school teacher pursuing a sex worker. While Hold Me Close ventures into romance fantasy, this High Five review will see if the duo can recreate the same spark, or if the film will tread familiar ground. Spoilers ahead.
A Supernatural Kind of Love
Still from Viva Films
The film introduces a twist to the typical Filipino romance—by giving Lynlyn (Barretto) the unique ability to sense whether someone will bring joy or sorrow into her life through direct skin-to-skin contact. While this premise presents an intriguing hook, offering fresh perspectives on romance, life, and family, it does so with a catch—by oversimplifying nuanced subjects and complex emotional connections to positive or negative. The film acknowledges this naive view, driving home the point that connections are not something to run away from, but something to embrace, with the very real possibility that you can get hurt in the end.
A Rich Cultural Tapestry
Still from Viva Films
The film is set in Karatsu, a picturesque city along the Sea of Japan. The filmmakers skillfully capture the city’s beauty through shots of its lively shorelines, the hustle and bustle of its morning market, and the people going about their daily lives. Karatsu is the heart of the film, and viewers will feel as if they are transported to the city once they watch this movie.
In addition to showcasing the stunning location, the film incorporates elements of Japanese beliefs and culture, such as references to Yokai, and the casual use of the Japanese language in the dialogue. These details add an authentic touch and enrich the cultural backdrop. Despite this, the film is undoubtedly Filipino all the way through, featuring a charming moment where Lynlyn immediately recognizes Woody (Aquino) as a fellow Pinoy, based on the familiar gesture of pursing his lips to point at something—a humorous and relatable inside joke for many Filipino viewers. This reference, among many others, adds depth to the characters, creating a unique cross-cultural connection that enriches the story.
Gorgeous Cinematography
Still from Viva Films
Enhancing the amazing views of Karatsu is the film’s cinematography. Each composition, angle, and shot is well crafted, highlighting the story of two people finding each other in a foreign land. Wide shots of the film’s setting shows just how dwarfed and isolated our protagonists are in Japan, while alternating close-up shots show how close they are together. Despite the loneliness they feel from the outside world, they are slowly learning more about each other and getting closer.
Undeniable Chemistry
Still from Viva Films
It’s Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto’s second project as a loveteam, and at this point, their chemistry is undeniable. Barretto’s cautious optimism as Lynlyn and Aquino’s boyish charm as Woody make for a perfect match, not to mention the work both actors put in to bring the characters to life. You’d be hard pressed to find a better pair to tell this story together. It would have been a welcome addition to have a bit more of a back story or motivation for both characters—for Woody who seems to be living a wanderer’s life without any context, and for Lynlyn who seems to be hung up on any and every interaction she has with complete strangers, but does not have a life outside of that.
The Courage to Choose Connection
Still from Viva Films
Hold Me Close emphasizes the importance of making wise decisions and embracing imperfections. It beautifully portrays the power of choosing love despite the possible downsides—focusing instead on the joy and beauty that can still exist even amidst the fear of pain and sorrow. The film also subtly highlights the significance of family. The narrative suggests that this kind of love transcends romantic relationships, extending to family bonds as well. This is exemplified by the character of Tantan, played by Jarius Aquino, who in an instance, was seen by his sister Lynlyn as someone who may bring pain and sorrow due to her supernatural ability. Despite this, Lynlyn chooses to stay close to him, and soon Tantan comes to be regarded as “positive” again—someone who will bring happiness and safety back into her life. This dynamic illustrates how love, even in its imperfections, has the power to heal and strengthen relationships.
While the film plays with the supernatural, it is in its portrayal of real human connections where Hold Me Close truly shines. It serves as a bittersweet reminder that sometimes the most powerful magic lies not in the supernatural, but in the choices we make about the people we hold dear. SEA Wave gives Hold Me Close 7 out of 10 waves.