For the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Regal Entertainment's "My Future You" stands out as the definitive Gen Z movie among a remarkable lineup of entries dominated by big-name stars and veteran actors.
Starring the popular ABS-CBN love team of Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin — devotedly called FranSeth by a mammoth fanbase — this romantic comedy, which also has a dash of drama and a touch of techie fantasy, is the title that proudly brings fresh faces and contemporary themes to the all-Filipino film festival.
"My Future You" finds Lex (Seth) in 2009, discovering a dating app that inexplicably links him to Karen (Francine) in 2024. Amid their extraordinary circumstances, a strong bond between the two begins to grow.
As they fall in love, Karen, a devoted daughter, turns to Lex with a heartfelt request: she asks for his help to alter moments from her past in hopes of preventing her parents' separation. Unfortunately, the couple's attempts to change destiny result in undesirable consequences and affect their lives in ways they never anticipated.
And so, as the star-crossed Gen-Zers approach their final chance to fix everything, Lex and Karen must grapple with difficult decisions that will determine whether their love can truly withstand the forces of time.
While Francine guarantees that "My Future You" is a movie that genuinely connects with her generation, she clarified in this junket interview with The T-Zone that its themes and messages make it a worthwhile watch for everyone, regardless of age.
Far from being arrogant, the lovely and promising young lady fairly pointed out, "Nowadays, the Gen Zs don't just inspire our own generation anymore. So many people look up to [our age group] for setting the standards in fashion, opinions and everything else, and that's why it's both an honor and a big responsibility for us to represent them through this film."
With Seth ever attentively by her side, Francine added that as "My Future You" zooms in on what it means to be young today, it also celebrates a beautiful love story amid the importance of family, self-discovery, and ultimately creating your own destiny.
"Even in real life, I'd say that Seth and I find ourselves feeling all these things, and that's why we really feel people on all sides — the Gen Zs, their parents, everyone — will resonate with what we're offering them in the MMFF," she expressed.
The pair nonetheless acknowledged in all humility that being the voice of their generation at such a prestigious festival is both thrilling and daunting at this stage of their careers.
"It's overwhelming," Seth spoke candidly for the both of them. "Not only is this our first movie together, but it's also our first movie as lead actors and our first time to be part of the MMFF."
Simultaneously half-incredulous laughter, Seth added, "So yes, we're very nervous, but we're doing our best to focus on enjoying every moment and taking pride in what we've achieved."
To elaborate on the winning reasons why "My Future You" is truly a must-watch for Gen-Z and beyond, according to FranSeth, what better way to do so than through a listicle? It's the perfect format for today's audiences, who are all for quick, engaging and relatable information.
So again, here are the "10 reasons why 'My Future You' is the ultimate Gen-Z movie for all ages."
1. FranSeth's genuine chemistry. The duo's natural connection, honed over years of collaboration, shines brighter than ever. Francine shared, "The bond we've built made this movie special. Every scene felt real."
2. Relatable characters. Karen represents the eldest sibling burdened with responsibilities — a struggle many will identify with. Francine explained, "Karen's journey is about balancing her dreams with family obligations."
3. A new side of Seth. Seth's portrayal of Lex showcases vulnerability and adaptability to underscore his character's determination to define family beyond blood ties. "It's about finding where you truly belong," Seth said.
4. Time-traveling romance. The concept of a love story defying time adds a magical twist, making this movie distinct from typical rom-coms. Moreover, writer-director Crisanto Aquino ensures seamless transitions between 2009 and 2024, blending nostalgia with modernity.
5. Heartwarming family dynamics. More than just a love story, the film intentionally celebrates familial bonds, which is a timeless value that resonates across generations.
6. The 'kilig factor, but of course. Fans of FranSeth can expect plenty of swoon-worthy moments. "We kept the romance authentic, blending playful and heartfelt scenes," Seth shared.
7. Lessons on choices and consequences. The film dives deep into how small decisions can impact our lives. According to Francine, "It's a reminder to appreciate the present while learning from the past."
8. Vivid visuals. Cinematographer Jeyow Evangelista captures the stark contrast between the two eras while aligning them in theme, creating a visually cohesive narrative.
9. A message of hope. Executive producer Roselle Monteverde described the movie as "a celebration of family, love and hope for a brighter tomorrow." It's a feel-good film ideal for the Christmas season.
10. A milestone for FranSeth. This being their MMFF debut, the duo embraced the challenge of transitioning from TV to the silver screen. Seth concluded, "It's a moment we'll cherish forever, knowing our fans have been with us every step of the way."
"My Future You" also stars Almira Muhlach, Christian Vasquez, Peewee O'Hara, Bodjie Pascua and Mosang, among others. Directed by Crisanto Aquino, it opens on December 25 as part of the 2024 MMFF.