Movie Review Missed Connections (2023)

 

Missed Connections | 2023 | 1h 47m
Genre: Comedy/Romance | Country: Filipino
Director: Jelise Chung | Writers: Jelise Chung, Gilliann Ebreo
Cast: Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, JC Santos
IMDB: 4.3
My Rate: 8/10

Mae falls in love at first sight with Norman and believes they are destined to be together, even though Norman doesn't feel the same way. Mae goes to great lengths to make Norman love her, including hurting Julia, Norman's girlfriend.

Warnings:

Contains sensual scenes, alcohol, and strong language.

 

Synopsis:

Mae (Miles Ocampo) has just broken up with her boyfriend, Mark (J.C. Santos), who cheated on her with her best friend. However, Mae finds new love when she accidentally meets Norman (Kelvin Miranda) at a supermarket. Unfortunately, Mae doesn't have a chance to ask for Norman's contact information.

Mae tries to find Norman by posting on the Missed Connections app. This app is widely used by people to find someone by mentioning their characteristics. After a while, Mae finds a post from Norman looking for "Grocery Girl."

Norman also posted on Missed Connections. Mae, reading this, believes that Norman is looking for her. The characteristics Norman mentions in his post match hers.

They meet. Unfortunately, Mae is not the person Norman is looking for. Mae is slightly disappointed by this. Norman, feeling awkward, tries to remain kind to Mae. They become friends after Norman helps Mae with her business.

Some time passes, and Norman finds the woman he's looking for, Julia (Chienna Filomeno). Julia is a beautiful and stylish salon owner and influencer. Seeing how happy Norman is with Julia, Mae feels heartbroken. Mae tries to get close to Julia and changes her appearance to resemble her.

Will Mae succeed in winning Norman's love?

 

Review:

The story idea of this film is quite simple, about a love story in general. However, what makes it interesting is the slightly different way it is presented. It also indirectly highlights mental health and toxic relationships, which are rarely shown in romantic films.

The animation used to open the film is engaging and well-presented. The combination of colors and camera movement is good. The different characteristics of the characters are depicted through the clothes and makeup they wear. This makes the presentation unique. The music selection is appropriate for each scene.

The development of the story's background, conflict, and resolution is excellent. The character development is also well-done. The character development of each character is visible from the beginning to the end of the story.

The story is presented systematically and is easy to understand. No character appears unnecessarily. Each scene and character has its own meaning in making the story engaging and not boring.

The main character is shown as someone filled with trauma from various experiences. Mae feels she doesn't get the "love" she needs. After the loss of her parents and the betrayal of her boyfriend, Mae feels she has to get the love she desires. This makes her an obsessive and delusional person.

Miles Ocampo delivers a captivating performance as Mae. The expressions she shows truly depict Mae's character well. The acting of the other actors also flows naturally and is not stiff.

Although the rating on IMDB is not very good and many criticisms have been directed at this film for its seemingly "exaggerated" story, I personally enjoyed the story presented. This is because not many films address the theme of toxic relationships and present them in an exciting way. The actors' performances leave a lasting impression.

However, this doesn't mean the film is without flaws. We can find some things that don't make sense. For example, Norman is completely oblivious to Mae's excessive behavior towards him. Mae clearly shows her affection for Norman. It seems like Norman also turns a blind eye and ignores this to maintain a relationship with Mae.

Perhaps it would be better to include a "professional" character here. The mental health issues shown in Mae seem like something that can't heal on its own. If there were a scene where Mae consults a professional, it might be more logical.

Despite this, this film is worth watching.

 

Memorable Scene:

Julia, suspicious of Mae's feelings for Norman, tries to subtly "attack" Mae at an event she is hosting. Julia tries to provoke and confirm Mae's feelings for Norman. Although Mae fights back and hides her feelings.

In this scene, we can see how elegantly Julia tries to get rid of the "seductress" who might ruin her relationship with her boyfriend.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"If this is how you love, it is horrible."

 

Ending:

Happy Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)