Hello Stranger: The Movie (Filipino)

Needless to say I was super excited when I learnt of this film. Hello Stranger was one of the better series that came out in 2020, with a heartening storyline and good chemistry and acting, which I enjoyed a lot. So, naturally my expectations form this film was quite high and I couldn't wait to see what the makers have done to take the story forward. This, as expected, is a young gay romance and a coming-of-age movie all wrapped into one charming and heartwarming experience. It has the right amount of romance, drama and life lessons that the viewers would appreciate.

The story is simple. We are told that Mico and Xavier are no longer a couple but are cordial to each other as friends. The class is supposed to go to the beach for a week long literary tour. Xavier and Crystal come together, while Mico drives with his gang of three friends, still missing Xavier. Once in the resort, Xavier and Mico are forced to become roommates together and in multiple flashbacks we are told what happened. Right after Mico and Xavier came together, Crystal's parents got divorced and she was in a very bad place, so Xavier didn't break up with her. Mico waited for a while but eventually gave up realizing that Xavier will never break up. During multiple fun activities and also due to the proximity, Xavier realizes that whatever happens, his true love will always be for Mico and luckily Crystal realizes that too and asks Xavier for break-up so that he can be true to himself. Initially reluctant Mico refuses to get back together with him because he can't afford to break his heart again, but in a romantic finale, not only does the couple come together, but they also profess their love for each other in front of everyone. No more hiding.

I liked the fact that they didn't make a follow up of the every successful series, just for the sake of it. This was Avery valid story to tell. One of the things that had stood out for me was the three friends of Mico who are always his support structure. Even in this film, they continue to do their part and we also get to see a bit more of the romantic relationship between two of his friends. One of my favorite moments was when Crystal realizes that she will never again get the same kind of love from Xavier and asks "when is the right time to let someone go". It was Avery interesting perspective, that I had never thought of but it makes total sense, at least in the context of this film. Mico and Xavier still have that crackling chemistry and yearning of love for each other which is very evident. That deserves applause. I can understand and empathize with what Xavier did and why. He is a god person and can't help being the reason for someone's sadness, which is well explained towards the end in one of the read-outs that he does about love. Mico's character was good. He had respect for himself and was ready to fight for it. Mico has substantially improved in his acting with Xavier giving him the hot sexy support that most of the romantic films have. I was so excited they brought back the funny teacher's character in this film as well. I wish there was more her. She is hilarious. On the flip side, some unnecessary conflicts were there and could have been edited out well to reduce the duration of the film by maybe 10 minutes. Introduction of the hot writer that makes Xavier jealous was a good twist. So glad the makers didn't force a love triangle there. Oh! And finally we do get a beautiful kiss from the leads. Too cute.

Overall, a very worthy film that takes the stories of the characters we have come to love further in their life. Hopefully this tie the couple will stick together. But you never know. They are all still so young, and the life has all kinds of possibilities in front of them. (7.5/10)