Un/Happy for You
| Un/Happy for You | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Petersen Vargas |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Story by |
|
| Produced by | |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Noel Teehankee |
| Edited by | Renard Torres |
| Music by | Bullet Dumas |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Star Cinema |
Release date |
|
Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
| Box office | ₱104 million |
Un/Happy for You is a 2024 Philippine romantic drama film directed by Petersen Vargas from a story and screenplay written by Kookai Labayen and Crystal San Miguel, with Simon Lloyd Arciaga and Jen Chuaunsu as the co-writers. It stars Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto in their comeback film after four years since they last acted together in Block Z.[1] The film is about how ex-lovers navigate feelings of anguish and deep affection with someone who once held a special place in their hearts.[2]
Produced by ABS-CBN Studios, Star Cinema, and Viva Films, the film was theatrically released in Philippine cinemas nationwide on August 14, 2024.[3]
Plot
 | This article needs an improved plot summary. (July 2024) |
Two years after their breakup, a Bicolano chef (Juancho) on the rise reunites with his ex-girlfriend (Zy) who is back in the province for a brief work visit. Still feeling bitter about their breakup, he tries to seduce her to ruin her engagement, only to find himself falling for her once more.
Cast
Main cast
- Joshua Garcia as Juancho[4]
- Julia Barretto as Zy
Supporting cast
- Nonie Buencamino as Jun
- Ketchup Eusebio
- John Lapus as JP
- Kaila Estrada as Aiah
- Aljon Mendoza as Jon
- Bong Gonzales as Lei
- Ana Abad Santos
- Meann Espinosa as La
- Bianca De Vera as Tin
- Victor Silayan as Matt
Production
On April 24, 2024, Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto announced their upcoming film at “New Movie Alert” virtual media conference on Star Cinema and Viva Films's YouTube channels and they also announced that Petersen Vargas will be the director of their film.[5] The teaser poster of the film is also released on the same day.[6]
On June 12, 2024, Star Cinema, through its social media pages, posted a sneak peek of the cast's first script reading.[7] While on June 28, 2024 they release a video and still photos from the set which signifies that the filming has already begun.[8] The filming wrapped up in mid-July as shared by its cast members and director in their social media posts.[9]
Promotion
An official teaser was released by Star Cinema last July 1, 2024, which garnered 1 million views in a span of one hour.[3][10]
To officially kick off its promotional activities, a series of mall shows were held called The Get Back Tour. The first mall show happened last July 5, 2024, at Market! Market! in Taguig.[11] It's on the same event that they also unveil the movie's official poster.[12]
A 2-minute trailer was released last July 10, 2024, during the film's media conference.[13][14] The said event was attended by the writers, director Petersen Vargas, lead actors Joshua and Julia along with other cast members.
On July 31, 2024 Metro magazine released a digital cover featuring the lead stars, Joshua and Julia. Along with it is an article describing the ex-couple's journey, the story on how they come to reunite for the project and some snippets about the movie.[15]
Release
The film opened in 210 cinemas nationwide on August 14, 2024.[16] A day before its general release, a premiere night was held on August 13, 2024 at SM Megamall and it was graced by its cast, director, celebrity guests, and executives of ABS-CBN and Viva.[17]
Reception
Box office
On its opening day, the film garnered ₱20.5 million, making it the biggest opening gross of a local film of the year.[18][19] On August 17, 2024 the film garnered ₱65 million pesos in 300 cinemas nationwide.
Critical reception
Fred Hawson, writing for ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, described the chemistry between Garcia and Barretto as "still electric" because of their stellar performances in the film and also gave praise to the story and screenplay despite the little presence of romcom clichés and Vargas' direction.[20]
References
- ^ "Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto reunite for new movie 'Un/Happy For You'". Manila Bulletin. April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "JoshLia is back: Things to know about Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto's reunion movie 'UN/HAPPY FOR YOU'". Rappler. April 25, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ a b Antonio, Josiah (July 1, 2024). "Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto's characters recall past memories in 'Un/happy For You' teaser". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ Cuazon, Christhel (April 25, 2024). "Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto to reunite in new film 'Un/happy for You'". DZRH. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (April 24, 2024). "Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto to reunite in new film 'Un/happy For You'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Javier, Humility (April 25, 2024). "Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia to star as real-to-reel-life exes in comeback movie 'Un/Happy For You'". ABS-CBN. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
- ^ Javier, Humility (June 13, 2024). "Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto laugh their hearts out in 'Un/Happy For You' first script reading". ABS-CBN Entertainment.
- ^ Escuadro, Kiko (June 29, 2024). "Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto start filming for 'Un/Happy For You'". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia wrap up 'Un/happy For You' filming". ABS-CBN News. July 16, 2024.
- ^ ""Un/Happy for You" teaser trailer hits 23 million views in just eight days". ABS-CBN Entertainment. July 11, 2024.
- ^ "Na-experience na ng Ayala Malls Market! Market! ang Tamis, Sakit, at Excitement sa kickoff ng #TheGetBackTour, featuring the stars and director of #UnHappyForYou!". ABS-CBN Films in Facebook. July 5, 2024.
- ^ "What if magkita tayo ulit? Ano'ng maaalala mo?". ABS-CBN Films in Facebook. July 5, 2024.
- ^ Antonio, Josiah (July 10, 2024). "Tensions rise between Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia's characters in 'Un/happy For You' trailer". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ Severo, Jan Milo (July 11, 2024). "'I never cheated on you': Julia Barretto tells Joshua Garcia in 'Un/Happy For You' trailer". Philippine Star.
- ^ Libero-Cruz, Grace (July 31, 2024). "Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto Are Happy for Each Other". Metro.Style.
- ^ "Un/Happy For You opens this AUGUST 14 in 210 CINEMAS NATIONWIDE". Star Cinema in Facebook. August 10, 2024.
- ^ "Premiere ng 'Un/happy for You' nina Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto, mainit na sinuportahan". ABS-CBN News. August 13, 2024.
- ^ "Facebook". Star Cinema in Facebook. August 15, 2024.
- ^ "Reunion film of Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto earns P20.5M on first day". ABS-CBN News. August 15, 2024.
- ^ Hawson, Fred (August 16, 2024). "'Un/Happy for You' review: JoshLia chemistry still electric". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Retrieved August 17, 2024.