Wish You Were The One (2023) – A woman desperately trying to crash a wedding, in hopes of winning back her chef ex, finds luck when a man going to the same wedding is looking for someone to pretend as his fiancée. But when the two pretend to be engaged, even using memories from their past relationships as their history, they find that they may feel something real for each other.
Synopsis
Wish You Were The One (2023) is a Filipino romantic comedy with humor, charm, and heartfelt moments. The story begins with a woman determined to crash a wedding. Her goal is simple: win back her ex, a chef she still loves. But her plan takes an unexpected turn when she meets a man on the way to the same wedding. He has his own problem—he needs someone to pretend as his fiancée.
Together, they strike a deal. They arrive as a couple, using stories from their past relationships to make their act believable. The charade feels real, sometimes too real. Soon, they begin to wonder if their fake engagement could turn into something genuine.
The Story of Pretend Love
The film plays with the idea of “pretend love” that slowly transforms into true emotion. The woman is torn between her old love and the new connection. The man, at first practical, also finds himself drawn to her warmth. Their chemistry grows, not because of the lies they tell, but because of the truths that surface along the way. What starts as a game becomes a heartfelt journey of rediscovering love.
Direction and Writing
Directed by Derick Cabrido, the film blends comedy and romance with skill. Cabrido keeps the tone light while allowing the emotions to shine. The story and screenplay by Enrico C. Santos give the characters depth and relatability. The mix of witty dialogue and touching moments makes the film both entertaining and meaningful.
Performances and Cast
The film is led by Bela Padilla and JC Santos, whose chemistry makes the story believable and engaging. They balance humor with genuine emotion, making the fake relationship feel alive. Kean Cipriano and Franki Russell bring charm and energy, adding layers to the story. Supporting performances from Jervi “KaladKaren” Wrightson, Andrea Babierra, Andrew Muhlach, Cheska Ortega, and Itan Magnaye enrich the narrative with humor and heart.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, the film explores love, second chances, and the courage to let go of the past. It asks whether true love can be found in unexpected places. The fake engagement becomes a symbol of how sometimes pretense can uncover real feelings. The wedding setting reflects both endings and beginnings, reminding viewers that love often arrives when least expected.
A Charming Filipino Romantic Comedy
Presented in Tagalog, Wish You Were The One (2023) delivers a modern take on love stories in the Philippines. It blends romance, comedy, and drama in a way that feels fresh and relatable. More than just a romantic comedy, it is a film about hope, healing, and the discovery of love when you least plan for it.
