Since the trailer was unveiled by Viva Films, numerous stills from the film have been circulating on the Internet. People have also started asking what Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story) exactly is. The trailer hardly gives the story away.
We saw the movie on Monday during its jam-packed red carpet premiere at the Cinema 7 of Trinoma. It was star-studded. Apart from the main cast led by Anne Curtis and Dingdong Dantes, bright stars like Vice Ganda, Marian Rivera, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and Angel Locsin brought their effulgent presence to the red carpet along with some Hashtags members and a handful of Z-list celebrities. We could hardly hear ourselves whenever someone would walk on the red carpet.
At first, you’d think the movie is all about the stars. It is, partially, but it has a story to tell. And it is not exactly what the title says what it is because, in general perspective, it is a love story.
It’s not your typical formula film where the story takes you to a romantic journey that ends in the land of happy ever after. There’s passionate kissing and sex that is artfully executed, there’s conflict, separation and chance meetings.
In the film, Dingdong’s character Sid is arrogant and obnoxious, a dashing insomniac who is always in suit and tie. He meets Aya (Anne), whom he has hired to spend time with him (especially during the wee hours he can’t sleep). Along the way, the relationship becomes complicated when the two start to have feelings for each other.
“It debunked numerous speculations, did we make you feel stupid?” Anne asked the crowd after the screening.
Yes, they did. There’s nothing special about Anne’s character apart from being a modern-day Curacha (in reference to a person who does multiple jobs, and inspired by Chito S. Roño’s 1998 film starring Rosanna Roces). And just like in her previous films, she looks so natural on camera portraying a role that hardly asks her to really act.
Dingdong, who opens the film wearing nothing but a boxer brief, has an intriguing character. And it fits him well – smart, dashing, a notorious corporate monster with a heart. It could have been played by a different actor but the character would have a different effect on the viewers. Needless to say, he was a perfect choice as Sid.
The film is directed by Irene Villamor, who is also behind the movies Camp Sawi, and Meet Me in St. Gallen.
The story is easy to digest, a nice breather after seeing a lot of poverty porn. The film was shot in Metro Manila’s business districts – skyscrapers and city lights as the backdrop.
Sid & Aya is one of those love stories that many can relate. One can have a different interpretation based on his personal experience since the movie can be an acceptable prototype of a romantic film that can tackle subjects on pseudo-love, the one that got away, friends with benefits, or even your greatest love experience.
