That thing called "TADHANA"

Part of this year's Cinema One Originals Film Festival is Tonete Jadaone's 'That Thing Called Tadhana'. A Rom-Com that tells the story of Mace (Angelica Panganiban), a soon-to-be-heart-broken girl who met Anthony (JM de Guzman) in an airport, the latter offered help by giving his extra 'luggage allowance' to Mace, when they returned from Rome, Mace is now a broken-hearted girl and Anthony became his shoulder to cry on. The two took the longest day (and the shortest moving on phase) in their lives by spending time with each other and rediscover a kind love that they may only experience once.

The film frees itself from the love formula we are all familiar with, even if the main premise is nothing new: Girl sees the end of an eight-year relationship, wallows in her heartbreak, goes some place to find herself and hopes to move on. Boy comes along unexpectedly, does not intend to be the knight in shining armor, but eventually finds himself feeling something special. The film purposely turns its back on what normally makes the masses tick. There is no grand production, no comic lines being shoved down your throat, no roster of supporting acts, no dramatic declaration of love, no going to great lengths to run after one’s love, and thank heavens: no shameless product placement. Instead, it chooses to be quiet, steady, honest and witty. It is serious, but not heartbreaking; hilarious without even trying and; smart without being overwhelming. The restraint used in every scene results in effective storytelling and pulls the magic, not out of fairy tale-ish circumstances, but from the humanness of its characters.  Who, by the way, happen to be the only players in the movie (another bold move).

 This Angelica Panganiban & JM de Guzman starred triumphs through effortless performances and a good story. It has a steady flow which never once wavers or gets confusing. It manages to keep the audience focused and engrossed even if it has nothing else to offer but Anthony and Mace’s uneventful journey and the little things in it that mirror ourselves. THAT THING CALLED TADHANA is a story that reminds us that love can be a no-frills kind of thing, and reminds us (once again) that it can be born out of friendship, in the unlikeliest of places. That Thing Called Tadhana will remind us of our forgotten memories and thank them for they led us down to where we are today.

The director put a fundamental question for us to answer. Are we truly destined to find our soul mates? Or are we who we are completely because of decisions we make? Without waxing poetic about names being written in the stars, the movie shows us that there are certain wonderful circumstances that we find ourselves in if we allow ourselves to enjoy the journey. No matter the situation, life leaves us room to recover if we allow ourselves to. In less than two days, our female protagonist found the strength to defeat her deep-seated cynicism and regain her faith in the universe.

I'd like to end this review with my favorite concept of the movie. At one point, she asks him, why did she waste all this time on her ex? She regretted putting so much time and energy into the relationship. Anthony answered her by saying that every good deed deserves another and every kind act will be repaid in some other form in the future. If I were to describe Destiny, it would be in this very simple understanding of the way the world works. Be kind and you'll find kindness. Be generous and generosity will be given to you. Be loving and you will be loved.