REVIEW: My Future You, an emotional rollercoaster worth watching

It’s easy to be won over by My Future You, the latest feature film from Regal Films.

The fantasy romantic comedy, produced for the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024, is funny, sweet, and heartwarming—like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold Christmas morning.

My Future You stars Francine Diaz, 20, and Seth Fedelin, 22, from the popular FranSeth love team.

They play Karen and Lex, two young adults who meet on a dating app while a comet brightens up the skies.

They eventually learn they exist in different years–Karen in 2024, Lex in 2009. How can they affect each other’s timelines, and can they still connect and find love?

It’s impressive how director Crisanto B. Aquino pulls off the interactions between Francine and Seth, even if they do not exist in the same place.

Sure, split screens are used generously. And although there are nice setups where both actors are in the same shots, but the use of special camera angles, set design and lighting makes it clear that they are not supposed to be together.

The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) celebrates its golden anniversary with an expanded lineup of 10 diverse films including

MY FUTURE YOU: THE MAIN CAST

Francine shines as the charming and relatable lead, and her natural charisma carries much of the film’s emotional weight.

Her performance is effortless, drawing you into her character’s inner journey.

Seth, meanwhile, delivers a performance that grows stronger as the story progresses.

He starts off a bit stiff, but he truly shines in the more sentimental, sappy parts of the film.

His ability to convey vulnerability and earnestness in pivotal moments makes his character’s arc deeply affecting.

Together, Francine and Seth share a chemistry that feels authentic and nuanced, anchoring the film’s narrative twists.

The supporting cast adds depth, particularly Christian Vasquez, who plays Francine’s stepfather.

He delivers the most affecting dialogue in the film, where he reminds the audience about the real meaning of love and family.

MY FUTURE YOU: THE STANDOUTS AND STUMBLE

The film stumbles in its pacing, however, particularly in the first half.

The major twist—an event that dramatically alters the direction of the story—is revealed in the trailer and promotional materials, robbing the early sections of their intended suspense.

This lack of surprise makes the setup feel plodding and overly drawn out, as the audience is left waiting for what they already know is coming.

But hold on—the second half is worth it.

Once the twist is out of the way, the narrative takes off with a series of exciting and unpredictable turns.

The dynamic interplay between Francine and Seth as they navigate the ripple effects of these revelations is both thrilling and entertaining.

Watching how their choices alter each other’s timelines is the kind of engaging storytelling that leaves viewers at the edge of their seats.

The movie is not without flaws, but its heartfelt performances, particularly by Francine Diaz, and its twist-packed second act, make it an emotional rollercoaster that’s worth watching this holiday season.

My Future You also stars Almira Muhlach, Peewee O’Hara, Bodjie Pascua, Mosang, Vance Larena and Izzy Canillo.