Ever wondered what it truly takes to bring Pandora to life? This November, fans of the Avatar saga are in for an epic treat. Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films, a brand-new, two-part documentary series, premieres exclusively on Disney+ on November 7, 2025. And yes — the trailer and official key art are now available to download and share!
From Waves to Wonder: The Art Behind the Avatar Magic
Produced by 20th Century Studios and Lightstorm Entertainment, this gripping documentary takes viewers on a breathtaking behind-the-scenes journey into the making of the Oscar®-winning blockbuster Avatar: The Way of Water — and delivers an exciting sneak peek at the highly anticipated sequel, Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Get ready to witness never-before-seen footage, intimate cast and crew interviews, and stunning concept art that showcases just how this cinematic universe was forged.
Global Adventures and Groundbreaking Techniques
To capture the essence of Pandora’s underwater world, the filmmakers embarked on a globe-spanning adventure — from the shores of Manhattan Beach and the depths of San Pedro and Shasta Lake, to the tropical waters of the Bahamas, Hawaii, and New Zealand.
The documentary reveals how the team pushed boundaries with groundbreaking underwater performance capture, all while training actors in free diving techniques in a custom-built, 680,000-gallon water tank — one of the largest ever used in film.
From casting directors and stunt coordinators to underwater cinematographers and art designers, every contributor’s passion and precision shines through.
Your All-Access Pass to Pandora Awaits
Whether you’re a film buff, a sci-fi enthusiast, or a long-time Avatar fan, this two-part docuseries is your golden ticket to discovering the immense artistry behind one of cinema’s most iconic franchises.
He’s about to break every rule he’s ever lived by — and he’s not the only one.
Get ready for an electrifying ride with Crime 101, the latest stylish crime thriller from visionary director Bart Layton (American Animals, The Imposter), based on the gripping novella by bestselling author Don Winslow.
The Mastermind, the Cop, and the Crossfire
At the heart of Crime 101 is Davis (Chris Hemsworth), a suave yet elusive career thief whose precision-timed heists have left authorities guessing for years. But now, Davis is planning the biggest — and hopefully final — job of his life.
To pull it off, he reluctantly teams up with Sharon (Halle Berry), a sharp but disillusioned insurance executive, and Orman (Barry Keoghan), a dangerous rival with no moral compass. Meanwhile, relentless detective Lt. Lubesnik (Mark Ruffalo) is hot on Davis’s trail, drawing closer with every step.
With each character driven by desperation, desire, or revenge, the stakes escalate beyond control — and soon, the line between good and bad blurs into oblivion.
Watch the Trailer Here:
A Star-Studded Ensemble and Visionary Filmmaking
Crime 101 isn’t just a heist movie — it’s a character-driven thriller laced with suspense, style, and moral gray zones. The film boasts a powerhouse cast:
Directed and written by Bart Layton, the mind behind critically acclaimed real-life thrillers, Crime 101 infuses realism with noir-ish flair and narrative punch.
When the Heist Becomes Personal
It’s not just about the money — it’s about redemption, betrayal, and the price of freedom. As each character pushes their limits, they’re forced to confront the consequences of their past and the danger of their next move.
Can Davis outsmart the system one last time, or will Lubesnik finally crack the case? And what happens when trust becomes the ultimate gamble?
Coming Soon to Philippine Cinemas
Don’t miss the action, the suspense, and the unexpected twists. Crime 101 will be locally distributed by Columbia Pictures PH, and it’s one thriller you won’t want to miss.
Halloween just got a whole lot weirder – in the best way possible! Robinsons Movieworld is calling all film fans, families, and fright-lovers to experience the spooky brilliance of ParaNorman once again, as LAIKA’s award-winning stop-motion masterpiece returns to cinemas in beautifully remastered 3D and 2D formats.
Catch this limited-time screening exclusively at select Robinsons Movieworld branches across the Philippines from October 23 to 28, with ticket prices starting at just PHP 300.
A Special Treat: A Brand-New LAIKA Short Film!
This re-release isn’t just a trip down memory lane – it’s a full cinematic celebration. Before ParaNorman rolls, moviegoers will be treated to the world premiere of LAIKA’s brand-new CG animated short, ParaNorman: The Thrifting.
Directed by LAIKA’s lead character designer Thibault LeClercq and written by ParaNorman creator Chris Butler, this short features returning voices from the original cast, including Anna Kendrick as big sister Courtney and Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things fame.
Why ParaNorman Still Rules the Afterlife
Originally released in 2012, ParaNorman quickly became a cult favorite with both critics and audiences. Its spooky charm, stunning animation, and heartfelt message earned it nominations for the Academy Awards®, BAFTA®, Golden Globe®, and a string of ANNIE Awards®.
Co-directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget), the film follows Norman Babcock, a boy with the uncanny ability to speak to ghosts. When his sleepy New England town is threatened by a centuries-old curse, Norman must embrace his weirdness to save the day.
Following the Success of Coraline’s Comeback
This Halloween event continues LAIKA’s theatrical revival following the smashing success of last year’s Coraline 15th Anniversary re-release, which drew massive crowds and critical buzz. Like Coraline, ParaNorman will only be available at Robinsons Movieworld, making it a truly one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
Don’t Miss This Spooktacular Celebration!
Whether you’re watching it for the first time or reliving a childhood favorite, ParaNorman is the perfect blend of creepy, kooky, and heartwarming – just right for Halloween.
Tickets are now available at participating Robinsons Movieworld cinemas and online at www.robinsonsmovieworld.com or at www.ClickTheCity.com.
GAC made a commanding presence at the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) with the launch of two all-new electric vehicle models — the AION V and HYPTEC HT — and the first Philippine showcase of its global strategic model, the AION UT.
Under the theme “GAC Global Ecosystem — Leading a New Era of Green Mobility in the Philippines,” GAC announced the official market launch of two all-new battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the AION V and HYPTEC HT, while also debuting its global strategic model, the AION UT, for the first time in the Philippines following its rapid success in Thailand.
In addition, GAC showcased its latest hybrid models, the M8 PHEV and EMKOO HEV, further expanding its electrified product lineup and demonstrating a multi-path approach toward sustainable mobility. The launches of these vehicles mark a strategic move to accelerate GAC’s electric mobility rollout in Southeast Asia and reinforce its long-term commitment to sustainable transportation in the region.
AION V – Reliable Performance, Everyday Practicality
A high-quality, long-range BEV SUV built for urban families and professionals. Equipped with GAC’s Magazine Battery 2.0 (fireproof even under direct impact), the AION V delivers a CLTC-rated range of 520 km and charges from 30% to 80% in just 16 minutes via DC fast charging. With a 2,775 mm wheelbase and suspension tuned for Philippine roads, it offers both interior spaciousness and ride comfort.
The AION V, a BEV SUV, is built for urban families and professionals.
HYPTEC HT – Luxury Meets Intelligent Technology
This flagship electric SUV redefines comfort and design. Featuring dual-stage electric gullwing doors, Nappa leather interiors, reclining rear seats, and a 14.6-inch HD infotainment display powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155, the HYPTEC HT is built for users who demand premium mobility. Its submarine-grade steel body and advanced safety systems make it as secure as it is sophisticated.
AION UT – Smart Style for the Next Generation
Making its first appearance in the Philippines, the AION UT targets younger, tech-savvy drivers. Its launch follows a successful debut in Thailand, where it recorded 1,000 deliveries within 39 days. As part of GAC AION, the fastest EV brand to reach one million sales worldwide, The AION UT combines intelligent features with youthful design, offering Filipino drivers a preview of the model that GAC plans to introduce to the local market soon.
M8 PHEV and EMKOO HEV – Expanding GAC’s Electrified Lineup
Alongside its all-electric models, GAC also showcased two hybrid vehicles — the M8 PHEV and EMKOO HEV — at the summit. The M8 PHEV, GAC’s flagship plug-in hybrid MPV, combines luxurious comfort with efficient performance, offering a smooth and quiet ride powered by its advanced hybrid system. Meanwhile, the EMKOO HEV represents GAC’s new-generation intelligent hybrid SUV, featuring the brand’s latest high-efficiency hybrid engine and sporty design, delivering both power and fuel economy.
Together, these models highlight GAC’s comprehensive electrification strategy, offering Filipino consumers a wider range of green mobility choices.
The HYPTEC HT is the brand’s flagship electric SUV and feaatures dual-stage electric gullwing doors.
Mr. Wang Shunsheng, Senior Vice President of GAC International; President of GAC International Asia-Pacific Regional Center: “This is a landmark moment for GAC in the Philippines. We are introducing world-class electric vehicles that combine advanced technology, practical features, and outstanding safety, tailored to Filipino lifestyles. As EV adoption continues to grow, our goal is to ensure that quality, performance, and accessibility go hand in hand.”
Driving Localization through “ONE GAC 2.0”
GAC’s expansion in the Philippines is guided by its “ONE GAC 2.0” global strategy, a blueprint for sustainable growth through localized operations. Since entering the Philippine market in 2018, GAC has built a nationwide network of over 30 dealerships and service centers and introduced a full lineup of globally tested sedans, SUVs, and MPVs.
In 2024, GAC achieved a 65% year-on-year sales increase in the Philippines, positioning it among the top Chinese car brands in the country. This momentum reflects Filipino consumers’ growing confidence in GAC’s product quality and aftersales support.
Mr. Calvin Cheng,General Manager of GAC INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES: “Our localization strategy has been the cornerstone of our growth. We are not just launching new models. We are also building long-term partnerships, creating jobs, and investing in the Philippine EV ecosystem. We see the Philippines as a key market in GAC’s Southeast Asia roadmap.”
Exclusive Launch Privilege Package for New Buyers
To encourage EV adoption, Mr. Reginald, Chief Brand Officer of GAC International Philippines, announced the introduction of an Exclusive Launch Privilege Package available to customers who purchase any of the newly launched models — AION V or HYPTEC HT. For only ₱999, buyers receive over ₱99,999 worth of additional benefits, including:
7kW wall-mounted home charger
Portable charger
Vehicle tint, car cover, and floor mats
Charging credits
Three-year LTO registration
Three-year TPL insurance
One-year preventive maintenance
₱10,000 cash discount
This package underscores GAC’s commitment to making EV ownership practical, convenient, and affordable for first-time buyers.
A Global Vision with Local Action
GAC’s participation at PEVS 2025 reinforces its Three Pillars of Leadership in the global EV industry:
Quality Leadership: GAC’s world-class manufacturing and quality control systems ensure durability, safety, and peace of mind.
Technology Leadership: Backed by a global R&D network across China, Italy, and the U.S., GAC is pioneering intelligent driving, energy efficiency, and smart cockpit systems.
Ecosystem Leadership: Through low-carbon supply chains and strategic collaborations, GAC supports sustainable development both locally and globally.
Looking ahead, GAC aims to deepen its footprint in the Philippines through enhanced localization, advanced technological partnerships, and a robust EV ecosystem that contributes to Southeast Asia’s climate goals.
“We are not just introducing vehicles but also creating an electric future that is inclusive, sustainable, and distinctly Filipino,” said Mr. Cheng. “Our journey is just beginning.”
From movie nights to quick weekend cleanups, Xiaomi’s newest smart devices are built for homes that never stop moving. The brand expands its smart-home lineup with two additions designed for the rhythm of modern Filipino living: the Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch and the Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner P30. Both combine intelligent design with everyday practicality, offering immersive sound and effortless cleanliness for contemporary spaces.
Integrated into Xiaomi’s expanding Human × Car × Home ecosystem, the new AIoT devices reflect the brand’s pursuit of practical innovation that fits seamlessly into daily life. From immersive sound to cordless cleaning, Xiaomi continues to design technology that makes smart living simple and attainable.
Immersive sound made simple
The Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch is built for cinematic, room-filling sound in a compact form. Powered by Dolby Audio™ Virtual:X Sound, it delivers depth and clarity across movies, music, and games. A wireless subwoofer delivers balanced bass, while the Bluetooth 5.3 and one-tap NFC pairing makes device connection quick and seamless.
With a sleek metal-finish front and back, the Soundbar complements modern interiors. Its multiple modes—Standard, Movie, Music, News, Game, and Night—let users tailor sound to their preferences. With a maximum output of 84 W, it delivers high-quality audio that feels refined, simple, and powerful.
Cordless power for spotless living
The Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner P30 combines portability with strong performance. Weighing just 860 grams, it delivers 22 kPa of suction power and up to 40 minutes of runtime in Eco mode. Its five-stage filtration system traps fine dust particles, while interchangeable brush heads adapt to different cleaning needs—from floors and furniture to tight corners and car interiors.
Light enough to lift with one hand, the P30 glides through small apartments and car cabins alike, keeping every surface tidy without the bulk of cords or canisters. The model is available exclusively online through Xiaomi’s official digital stores.
Smart design for modern Filipino homes
Together, these products continue Xiaomi’s mission to make advanced technology accessible and purposeful. Both demonstrate how the company’s AIoT innovations integrate form, function, and value—built for how people live today.
The Xiaomi Soundbar Pro 2.0 ch is now available in authorized Xiaomi stores nationwide, priced at Php 5,099. Designed to elevate your home entertainment setup, it delivers immersive audio in a sleek, minimalist form. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner P30 is available exclusively online for Php 3,799, offering powerful suction and smart features that make everyday cleaning effortless. Both products reflect Xiaomi’s signature blend of thoughtful design, intelligent performance, and exceptional value—bringing innovation and convenience to Filipino homes.
This November, audiences will be treated to an unforgettable musical experience as three icons of Filipino music come together in a rare and momentous collaboration. National Artist for Music Ryan “Mr. C” Cayabyab, The Concert King Martin Nievera, and Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha headline the MaestroClass Concert Series, happening from November 14 to 16, 2025, at Rockwell’s Proscenium Theater.
Marking the first major concert to be staged at the Proscenium Theater, this milestone event celebrates world-class Filipino artistry, bringing together legendary voices and compositions in an evening that promises to captivate both loyal fans and new audiences alike.
Opening the MaestroClass Concert Series is a celebration of the timeless songs of Ryan Cayabyab —songs like Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Da Coconut Nut, and Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka that have been sung by choirs, bands and solo artists across decades. This rare collaboration brings together three of the country’s most iconic performers in a showcase that reimagines some of Mr. C’s most beloved works. The Maestro will be joined by the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, a vocal ensemble he personally handpicked, as they present a repertoire that celebrates the best of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) through heartfelt renditions and powerful live performances.Set within the Proscenium Theater, the MaestroClass concert promises an intimate and immersive experience. Designed as the first theater in the Philippines built with natural acoustics, the 780-seat venue ensures a pure and immersive listening experience, allowing audiences to appreciate every note and nuance in its most authentic form. Adding to its distinction, the theater also features Steinway pianos, the first to be permanently housed in a Philippine performance venue, which Mr. C will personally play during the concert.
More than a concert, the MaestroClass series offers audiences an up-close encounter with the Maestro, where they can listen, learn, and be inspired by his timeless music brought to life by Lani Misalucha’s soaring vocals and Martin Nievera’s unmatched showmanship.
Secure your seats at ticketworld.com.ph, and follow @ProsceniumTheater on Facebook and Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes features.
A Victory for Regional Cinema and Resistance Storytelling
Emerging Bacolod filmmaker Vincent Joseph Entuna has once again made waves in the indie film circuit. On October 18, 2025, VinJo earned the Best Director Award at the prestigious Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival in Quezon City for his historical short film Sa Pwesto ni Pistong (The Barber’s Chair).
VinJo’s win is a resounding celebration of regional storytelling—poignant, fearless, and unafraid to confront the shadows of the past.
A Slice of History Told from a Barbershop Chair
Set during the turbulent Martial Law era in the Philippines, Sa Pwesto ni Pistong zooms in on the quiet life of Teopisto, a humble barber, and his nephew Carlos, a restless youth about to leave for Manila.
As the two share conversations inside their small-town barbershop—a place of tradition, silence, and small talk—what unfolds is a story that gradually reveals a society in decline, one where neutrality becomes complicity.
Carlos finds himself swept up in a growing resistance against the regime, while Teopisto is faced with a moral reckoning of his own. His evolution from quiet observer to reluctant participant becomes a metaphor for a nation slowly waking up.
Sa Pwesto ni Pistong team
A Bold Directorial Choice: One Camera, One Truth
What sets this film apart? It’s told entirely from a single, locked camera angle.
This bold stylistic decision, praised by critics for its precision and restraint, creates a voyeuristic tension and reflects the chilling stillness of a community trapped in fear and silence. The framing becomes its own form of protest—subtle, unflinching, and deeply affecting.
Honoring the Silenced and Forgotten
In his stirring acceptance speech, VinJo dedicated the award to the “voiceless and forgotten,” paying tribute to the victims of the 1985 Escalante Massacre in Negros Occidental. This tragic event, which the film quietly commemorates, remains a painful chapter in Philippine history.
“This film is for those who were silenced by history,” Entuna said, following his third Best Director award. He stressed the power of cinema, reminding today’s generation that “art has the power to resist” and that storytelling must not only entertain but also “bear witness.”
From Bacolod to the World
This latest accolade is just one of many. Sa Pwesto ni Pistong previously dominated the Bacolod Film Festival 2024, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, with an additional nomination for Best Musical Score.
Earlier in 2025, VinJo also clinched the Best Director title at the Pangasine Film Festival, and his film continues to earn nods—including a Best Picture nomination at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025 and recognition from the Hundred Islands Film Festival.
VinJo Entuna with Bacolod Film Festival 2024 coordinator Kristin Joy Bactad-Jor and Sa Pwesto ni Pistong producer Benj Ramos
The People Behind the Story
Joining VinJo at the Active Vista awards night were producer Benj Ramos and Kristin Bactad-Jor, coordinator of the Bacolod Film Festival 2024. Their presence underscored the spirit of solidarity behind the film’s journey.
About Active Vista: Cinema with a Conscience
Organized by DAKILA, Active Vista is one of the country’s leading platforms for human rights cinema. It champions films that celebrate freedom, justice, and democratic values—making it a fitting stage for VinJo’s powerful narrative.
VinJo Entuna receives his Best Director award at Active Vista
What’s Next for VinJo Entuna?
With multiple Best Director awards and growing acclaim, VinJo is poised to become a vital voice in Philippine cinema. His commitment to regional narratives and social truth-telling places him at the forefront of a new generation of filmmakers using art as activism.
If Sa Pwesto ni Pistong is any indication, we can expect more bold, thoughtful, and necessary stories to come.
This week’s movie lineup is an exciting mix of heartfelt drama, fantasy-fueled horror, and real-life oddities hitting the big screen starting today, October 22. Regretting You brings Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel to life in an emotional mother-daughter story starring Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace. Dracula: A True Tale reimagines the gothic legend with Christoph Waltz and Caleb Landry Jones, while Roofman turns a bizarre true crime story into a gripping cat-and-mouse chase starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. Adding local flair, Everyone Knows Every Juan and Walong Libong Piso deliver drama and dark humor rooted in Filipino storytelling, while Xeno brings a bold sci-fi adventure led by Lulu Wilson. And for an extra thrill, the CineSilip Film Festival kicks off with seven thought-provoking films screening exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas this week.
Here’s your guide to everything hitting the big screen this week:
Morgan Grant (Allison Williams) and her daughter Clara (Mckenna Grace) find their world upended after a tragic accident exposes painful family secrets. As the two try to rebuild, they confront betrayal, loss, and the complicated love that binds mothers and daughters through every heartbreak. Regretting You is a tender, emotional journey that asks, can love survive when trust is shattered?
Centuries of longing and bloodlust take center stage in Dracula: A True Tale. Prince Vladimir (Caleb Landry Jones), heartbroken after his wife’s death, curses God and is transformed into a vampire. When he meets her doppelgänger centuries later in London, his immortal existence spirals into obsession. With Christoph Waltz and Zoe Bleu Sidel rounding out the cast, this gothic retelling blends passion and terror in a story as haunting as it is tragic.
Family reunions are rarely simple, and in Everyone Knows Every Juan, they’re downright chaotic. When the Sevilla siblings gather in their ancestral home a year after their mother’s passing, old wounds resurface and long-buried secrets bubble up. Expect a mix of laughter, tears, and sharp humor as Edu Manzano, Joel Torre, and Gina Alajar lead this relatable story of family ties tested by truth.
2025 • R-13 • 2h 5m Comedy, Crime, Drama GET SHOWTIMES
Inspired by an unbelievable true story, Roofman follows Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a charming ex-soldier who pulls off daring fast-food heists by sneaking in through the roof. After a prison escape, he hides inside a toy store for months, until a chance romance with Leigh (Kirsten Dunst) threatens to expose everything. Funny, suspenseful, and surprisingly heartfelt, this quirky caper proves that second chances can come from the most unexpected places.
Paolo Gumabao takes on a complex role in Walong Libong Piso, the film adaptation of the acclaimed stage play. The story follows a young actor who agrees to a questionable deal for quick cash, only to find himself caught in a web of deceit, vulnerability, and self-discovery. It’s a raw and daring exploration of ambition and the price of desire.
When a fearless teen (Lulu Wilson) discovers an injured alien near her home, she learns that her new friend isn’t the creature she expected—it’s powerful, hunted, and hiding a dangerous secret. As government agents close in, she must decide how far she’ll go to protect it. Xeno is a thrilling and emotional sci-fi adventure about friendship, bravery, and what it means to belong.
CineSilip Film Festival 2025
This year’s CineSilip Film Festival proudly showcases the next generation of Filipino filmmakers. From over a hundred submissions, seven films were selected for their unique storytelling and fearless vision:
Babae Sa Butas
Dreamboi
Haplos Sa Hangin
Maria Azama: Da Best PRnstar*
Salikmat
Pagdaong
Ang Lihim Ni Maria Makinang
Each film offers something different, from sensual, surreal dramas to gritty social commentaries, proving that Filipino cinema continues to push creative boundaries.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Missed last week’s releases? No worries, these crowd-pleasers are still packing theaters with action, laughs, and heart. Here’s what’s holding strong:
2025 • R-16 • 2 hrs 42 mins ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER GET SHOWTIMES
That’s your lineup for the week, six new titles and one film festival mean you’ve got plenty of reasons to catch something fresh this week. Will it be Dracula: A True Tale for chills, Roofman for laughs, or Regretting You for all the feels? Maybe it’s time to support local movies at CineSilip. Catch them all starting today, only in cinemas.
Swing by ClickTheCity Movies for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Happy watching!
Filipino-American talent Sam Morelos brings charisma, comedy, and heart to the big screen as Lexie in Regretting You, the emotionally charged adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Directed by Josh Boone, known for the YA classic The Fault in Our Stars, this new film is poised to captivate both loyal Hoover fans and newcomers alike.
And when it came to casting Lexie—the witty, no-nonsense best friend of Clara Grant—Boone knew exactly who he wanted from the start.
“About 900 people submitted tapes for Lexie,” says Boone. “Sam Morelos was our first and only choice. They’re one of the most popular characters in any screening. They always get the most laughs.”
A Story of Secrets, Healing, and Reconnection
At the heart of Regretting You is the story of a mother and daughter navigating the painful aftermath of loss. Allison Williams stars as Morgan Grant, a woman grappling with betrayal and heartbreak, while Mckenna Grace plays Clara, her teenage daughter discovering hidden truths about love and family.
Lexie: The Ride-Or-Die Best Friend You’ll Wish Was Yours
Morelos’s character, Lexie, is Clara’s best friend since childhood—and the emotional support system she leans on when things fall apart.
“Lexie is just a fun, light presence,” says Morelos, a proud first-generation Filipino-American. “In a movie where there’s a lot of tension, Lexie is the knife that cuts it. I was laughing whenever I was on set – mostly at my own jokes.”
Interestingly, Morelos wasn’t a Hoover reader before being cast—but filming Regretting You changed that fast.
“I have been familiar with Colleen Hoover’s work for a very long time but to be completely honest, I haven’t considered myself an avid reader since middle school,” they share. “My attention span has dwindled as I get older, so to get this job was such a gift because it gave me the opportunity to rediscover my love for reading. Since then, I became a very quick fan of Colleen and her storytelling. Lexie immediately piqued my interest because of how fun and magnetic she was in the audition scenes – it felt as though she was jumping off the page. I was so drawn to her and the story she had to tell that I knew I wanted this job.”
Behind the Scenes: Slang Lessons and Set Bonding
Morelos also had a blast off-camera, forming strong connections with the cast.
“Everyone was a joy to work with,” says Morelos. “Allison was so interested in Gen Z vernacular and I became her guide. She started saying things like, ‘Slay the house down, Boots. Houston, I’m deceased.’ Dave Franco is so sweet and so curious.”
A Movie Meant to Be Shared
For Morelos, Regretting You is more than a tearjerker—it’s a conversation starter.
“Everyone should watch Regretting You in theaters with their moms, their best friends, and their partners,” they say. “Watching this film in a cinema filled with that much love will make you want to hold your people closer, it’s that infectious. I want audiences to walk into the lobby talking about their own relationships – remembering the moments that you and your best friend got drunk after a big fight with your boyfriend, that night you had your first kiss and called your mom about it, and all the little moments that shaped your relationships in the long run. It’s a story of love that everyone can relate to in their own little way, which is what will make Regretting You so special to so many people.”
A satirical black comedy, Park Chan-wook’s ‘No Other Choice’ uses humor and absurdity to highlight the human cost of modernization and industrialization. He spins a delicate web of fantasy and reality, taking a paper industry expert Yoo Man-su (Lee Byung-hun) and throwing his world asunder when he loses his job as the paper industry begins automating work that once needed people to do and manage. Before being laid off, Man-su was living an ideal life with his wife Mi-ri (Son Ye-jin), their two children, and two dogs in a wonderful home that he grew up in. Working in a dead-end job while applying to other paper companies, Mi-ri has to return to work while the comfortable life they used to live is slowing disappearing: less meat during meals, their dogs must move with Mi-ri’s parents, the bills are piling up unpaid. Man-su then plans to take extreme action to get back to a high paying job at a new paper company that has broken into the Japanese market and is willing to murder his competition for the post.
Park Chan-wook is a fabulous director able to marry the conventions of comedy, suspense, and even absurdism into one cohesive whole. He jumps through various genres to keep the energy of the film rolling while we are laughing at the extremities of Man-su’s predicament and horrified by the lengths at which he’d go to protect his way of life.
He even goes so far as to create a fake company looking for applicants with the same qualifications as his own, just to find out who his strongest competitors are for the post at the new paper company.
Man-su begins stalking each of them to find out how best to eradicate them from the competition. But since Man-su is not a killer, and the people who he follows are either hilariously situated in life, like Beom-mo (Lee Sung-min) and his wife (Yum Hye-ran), or on the opposite end, in a similar situation as he is, ‘No Other Choice’ brings through so many emotions.
It doesn’t help that Son Ye-jin is an incredible actress, and Park Chan-wook also gives her some incredible moments that include fending off her boss at work (Yoo Yeon-seok), who obviously likes her, while wondering where her husband is off to at all hours of the day and night.
Her own fears and suspicions lead her to her own dark conclusions and those also of their son while it triggers their young daughter who is special in her own right.
Park Chan-wook uses the full range of cinematic techniques to create vivid imagery that really elicits the emotions he wants to push in the film. Wonderful visually comedy that works hand-in-hand with the quick editing to induce humor in moments that lead to violence.
Even the violence is funny. He manages to find humor in desperation all because there are solutions that are available, but his characters are so stuck in their old ways, their old way of living to truly embrace the change.
What he ultimately delivers is creating a powerful commentary on a capitalist world that favours having things, equating a good life with the things that money can buy, and thus allows us to laugh at Man-su and his dark road to a “better life” while still empathizing with him because we all are aware of the truth behind the seductive world of a capitalist society. There’s also a huge depiction of how modernization and industrialization are completely removing the human element, rendering us – and experts in their field – non-essential.
‘No Other Choice’ is a brilliant piece of work from the director behind such powerful films as ‘Old Boy,’ ‘The Handmaiden,’ and ‘Decision to Leave.’ I loved all those films, but I have to say that ‘No Other Choice’ might just be my favourite Park Chan-wook film as of the moment, for its precision and its deftness at juggling multiple genres and turning it into an enjoyable film with a strong punch.
My Rating:
Don’t miss Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice, a sharp, hilarious, and haunting look at the cost of ambition in a modern world. Check showtimes and buy tickets here.
