Why should I watch the movie, Between Maybes? Aside that Gerald Anderson is my favorite actor or Japan is my favorite destination. I am very excited to see for the first time on the big screen that Gerald Anderson is paired up with Julia Barretto. Also I can relate to the story since I love to travel and I experienced the role of Julia Barreto.
In Between Maybes, the story about two people who found peace in the most unlikeliest places: in each other’s company. The two actors underwent through a series of workshops with Laxamana and shot the majority of the film on location in Japan during the bloom of the Sakura trees. Although Saga is a quiet prefecture with a small population, the serene nature of the place lends another layer to the story of Hazel and Louie. Filmmaker Jason Paul Laxamana wanted to create a story that reflected the serenity and calm nature of the location.
To give you a little glimpse of Between Maybes, Julia Barretto plays Hazel, an actress experiencing troubles in her career and not having control of her life. Feeling lost and wanting to escape, she books a random flight and eventually ends up in the secluded prefecture of Saga, Japan. There she finds an unexpected confidante in Louie (Gerald Anderson), who isolated himself after experiencing heartbreak from his family. The two develop a functional relationship. Hazel asks Louie to check on her as she’s not used to being on her own. While Louie finds Hazel’s company and noise amusing, as it’s a break from his simple world lacking human connection. Amidst the silence and isolation, Hazel and Louie find comfort in each other as they both needed it at that certain point in their lives. But knowing how far apart their worlds are, they can only hold on to the belief that some encounters are special because of how fleeting they are.
During the presscon both Anderson and Barretto give admiration to each other for their roles that they are portraying and they both had a profound connection to their characters. Julia’s recent trip to South America was a means to take a step back and recalibrate from her busy schedule while Gerald felt that isolation often feels like a good choice just to get away from his life, even if only for a while. The theme song is the brand new version of Rico Blanco’s hit song “Your Universe” is created specifically for the film by Acel, the original singer of Moonstar88.
The movie will open in cinema nationwide starting May 15, just after election and the movie Avengers. This film offers to the audiences seeking for an escape might need a dose of refreshing take on fleeting romances and little moments that linger forever and maybe it’s time to experience the beauty of Between Maybes. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, produced by Black Sheep Productions as their theatrical debut and is distributed by Star Cinema.