“My Amanda” is about two unusually close friends who share everything about their lives.
Amanda (de Rossi) is a jolly and playful girl who has an on-again, off-again relationship with her fiancé. During those times of crisis and pain, she seeks the presence of her best friend, TJ (or his pet name, Fuffy).
TJ (Piolo Pascual) is a ladies' man but a sensitive guy who drives around expensive cars. Unlike Amanda (or her pet name, Fream), he is not committed to anybody yet. Although he has a long list of failed relationships and heartbreaks.
Fuffy and Fream share a very close and warm relationship. But even though they are comfortable flirting with each other, partying all night, joking about sex, sharing a bed together, and getting matching tattoos, they refuse to date or get romantically involved. They see each other as brothers and sisters. Nothing more, nothing less.
However, is that even possible? Can two people be this close and not fall in love?
“My Amanda” thrives as this one-of-a-kind, anti-love story movie.
So many times it frames itself as this cheesy fairy tale of two best friends gradually falling in love with each other. Teasing us with raunchy punchlines and sensual intimacy, playing around with the viewer’s expectation and suspending disbelief.
The rules of love in “My Amanda” are already established right in its first act. They will never be lovers. As a matter of fact, they are disgusted by the idea of it. Yet, they send mixed signals to the audience, making their platonic relationship so confusing and challenging to comprehend.
“My Amanda” explores a gray area in relationships that is both simple and complicated in hindsight. It is so unusual and complex that it is easy to brand their friendship as toxic and unrealistic.
One of my major concerns about the film is the lack of growth and development of the characters. For some reason, they keep on making the same mistakes over and over again. And when it truly gets interesting, they hide. Yes, TJ and Amanda are best friends, but it's frustrating to see them move around in circles, dodging any deep discussions about their flaws and mishaps.
Anyway, the film is not totally bad as it showcases flawless performances from both Pascual and de Rossi. The two actors really carried this film, and it will leave you wanting more. The script is witty and cute, and the chemistry is solid, adding a sense of genuinity to the whole will they or will they not fall in love plotline.
“My Amanda” is an impressive debut film for de Rossi, and it's a delight to see that she is finally directing her own movie after years of acting. But it feels like it fails to realize its full potential. There are still a lot of ideas and stories left unexplored. That is why despite its subverting premise, it is a mediocre movie overall.
2/5
Watch "My Amanda" on Netflix.