Directed and co-written by Jade Castro, LSS (Last Song Syndrome), an official entry for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino‘s third year, brings together real-life sweethearts Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia for a heartwarming romantic-comedy film that gives hope for those who dream.
Featuring the indie folk pop band Ben&Ben, songs such as “Ride Home,” “Leaves,” “Maybe the Night,” “Pagtingin,” and “Kathang Isip,” are heard as the band themselves are in the movie. Zack (Khalil Ramos) wishes to meet his father who left him at a very young age, while also struggling in the realm of love with his mother portrayed by Tuesday Vargas. Sarah (Gabbi Garcia) aspires to break out into the music industry and persistent in reaching that goal while striving to conquer rough times of life.
Stuck on repeat
Steering away from the usual romantic comedy films that involve finding connection with the same music taste to someone, LSS delves into the struggles; from having aspirations to more than the infatuated “kilig” or honeymoon stage of a relationship. Love is something that both Zack and Sarah seek as a form of comfort, acceptance, and connection, but not as a solution to their needs.
In the beginning of the film, Sarah has dreamt of becoming a singer-songwriter in the music industry, while also finding the missing piece who completes her in the form of Zack—whom she first met at a bus station. She doesn’t receive her wants easily, as her character developed from wanting to be recognized and staying hopeful for her passion. She continues her determination as well as in helping her younger brother, Cedie, played by Elijah Canlas who also starred in the 2019 Cinemalaya film Edward, achieves his dream as a hip-hop artist.
Meanwhile, Zack, a software engineer, stays hopeless in finding a deeper connection with someone and settles with a one-sided love to his best friend. In the process, he tries to search for his father who left him and finding peace in forgiving. Eventually, Zack and Sarah meet alongside with the joyful sound from Ben&Ben, while showing us that life gives us the best people in the worst of times.
Garcia and Ramos’ chemistry as a real-life couple complements their respective characters without making it feel forced. As a young couple in their 20s, they give a heartwarming performance to Generation Z dreamers. Their talents as actors work harmoniously as we fall in love with their roles and the tunes.
Crafting a good playlist of Ben&Ben songs, they hit the right note in every scene they’re in. It makes you feel as if there is a right song for a moment in your life. If you aren’t a huge Ben&Ben fan, this film will make you fall in love with their songs as this film is a perfect tribute to the band. The band’s inclusion in the movie speaks through the audience, the fans, and the characters. Without them, the film would just pay tribute to their songs with poor execution and being smacked to play out as a two-hour music video.
Overall, some plot points feels unnecessarily rushed to be shown to the audience that could’ve been executed better. However, the first few minutes of the film lay out the lives of Zack and Sarah, with the timed song from Ben&Ben in the background, capturing the different lives of characters and introducing themselves to the audience. This signifies the contrasting lives of both characters with their different goals and aspirations, however, their shared love for Ben&Ben gives off an instant chemistry.
The unusual structure of the film, unlike the typical romantic-comedy, makes this film interesting and keeps the audience attached to the story. Achieving one’s goals while not giving up on someone, the film shows that love can’t solve everything but can help one get through something.
A night of recognition
LSS bagged the most awards during the awards night last September 15. The film won the PistApp Audience Choice Award, Special Jury Award, Best Sound Design, Best Original Song for “Araw-Araw” by Ben&Ben, and Vargas winning the Best Supporting Actress.
Despite not feeling like a cash-grab with the addition of Ben&Ben, LSS is a feel-good romantic-comedy film that decided to break out of normality.
Premiered last September 13, LSS (Last Song Syndrome) runs until September 19 in Philippine cinemas nationwide as part of “Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino,” a week-long celebration of quality genre Filipino films.
