Unless you speak Filipino, you’ll have to read subtitles to understand Exes Baggage but it’s worth the effort. It's a delightful romantic drama that also contains twinges of comedy. Hollywood should take note, as everything we typically associate from the genre – flat characters, easily avoidable misunderstandings, chases towards the airport – are all absent.
Pia (Angelica Panganiban) and Nix (Carlo Aquino) broke up two years ago. Bumping into each other at a party, they reminisce about what brought them together, and what eventually drove them apart. Which feelings have disappeared since, and which will reignite?
Exes Baggage (love that play on words) stars Angelica Panganiban and Carlo Aquino have great chemistry in the film. It’s almost as if they’re dating in real life. In fact, they used to. They were in a relationship for six years before breaking up. If you grew up with their off-screen romance, this film’ll hold a special place in your heart, as it serves as a bit of a reunion or perhaps a bit of closure for those whose hearts broke way back when.
Pia is a professional and a party girl. She’s used to staying up late working, and then going to the bar to dance and drink. Nix is reserved. You already know what kind of friction will come from their personalities, but the conflict begins internally. Nix was engaged to a woman who was simple and quiet before being left at the altar. Pia worries she’s simply a way for him to forget about Dwein (Coleen Garcia); deliberately picked because she’s her opposite. Whether Nix has feelings for his ex or not, he loves his new girlfriend but finds himself jealous of her past boyfriends. What happens when someone who’s dated a lot meets someone who's only ever been in one relationship? It’s easy to say someone’s history contributed to today, but insecurities complicate things. It isn’t a world-shaking event like infidelity that made their love erode, but little things – coming home late after dinner is cold, one too many nasty comments, or a disappointing meeting with the family. Boy is it refreshing to see real human being on-screen.
Although Exes Baggage is centered around a couple out of love, it’s a great date movie. There’s excitement in the first kiss, in the way they nervously flirt during the early stages of the romance or the scene where they pick what “their song” will be because they feel real. These are three-dimensional characters with hopes, dreams, jobs, families, and friends whose lives extend beyond the screen. There’s also plenty of humor which you will get even if you don’t know a word of Tagalog. It took me a moment to understand what “boyfie” meant, but I got it eventually. Don’t just go see Exes Baggage alone, bring someone special with you. (Original Filipino with English subtitles, October 8, 2018)
