Award-winning stars rate Alessandra de Rossi as a film director
The cast of 'Everyone Knows Every Juan' (Star Magic)
Award-winning actress Alessandra de Rossi is back to wearing a director/producer hat as she gathered some of the country’s finest seasoned actors to star alongside her in “Everyone Knows Every Juan”, a drama-comedy movie that delves into the chaotic, love-hate nature of a Filipino family.
The Sevilla Siblings, played by Edu Manzano, Ruby Ruiz, Gina Alajar, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, and Alessandra de Rossi, gather at their ancestral home following the first death anniversary of their mother, Juaning Sevilla, played by Liza Lorena.
Tupe (Manzano), the eldest at 67, arrives in a camper van and a face that has most likely undergone Botox treatment. He is, after all, a high-end cosmetic surgeon.
Josie (Ruiz), the second eldest and a school dropout, arrives in a tricycle, yet can’t even afford the fare. Luckily, she is saved by her sister Rose (Alajar), a corporate leader, who drives a sleek red car.
Ramil (Lazaro), the laid-back sibling, who accepts odd jobs, shows up looking filthy and hungry, having just come from a construction gig, which he feels is more important than this obligatory reunion.
Roel (Torre), the family’s once-promising rock star, who now has a constant struggle with alcohol and self-destructive behavior, plays his ‘80s electric guitar as if it’s a form of escape while everyone comes in.
Raquel (de Rossi), the youngest and brainy sibling in her 40s, considers herself the ultimate expert on everything in the house. A law graduate who never took the bar exam, she has lived all her life with their late mother, and calls it her noble sacrifice because instead of going away with her boyfriend, Alfred (JM De Guzman), they both stayed at the house with Juaning.
The seasoned stars shared their experience with Alex, who directed her second film project.
"Noong nabalitaan ko na si Alex ang magdi-direct, it's about time. No second thoughts. I agreed agad kahit wala pang details. Basta oo lang ako. We support each other," said Angeli.
JM said: "Pag-sinabing Alex, baliwa yan. She's passionate about her craft, and I will learn something from her. I got excited when I learned about the project."
"Alex knows what she wants to do. She listens to your suggestions. Pero gagawin ko pa rin yung gusto niya. Everybody came prepared to the set knowing all their lines. It says a lot about the person directing us," said Edu.
Gina commented, "She's the type of director na hindi maraming sinasabi dahil she respects the cast. But she's not afraid to tell us what she wants. No intimidation at all. It's a happy set because she's a happy person. No dull moments with her."
When asked who among the stars she got starstruck with, Alex said, "Kay Joel Torre kasi hindi ko pa siya nakaka trabaho. Lahat sila naka work ko na sila at favorite ko sila. Medyo natakot ako kasi nga hindi ko pa siya nakaka work. Pero tawa lang siya ng tawa. So okay naman at nagkasundo sundo naman kaming lahat."
With the glaring differences in their status and personalities, the siblings have become estranged, and each of them is keeping a secret that could permanently ruin their already strained relationships.
One secret, however, cannot be kept for long and is the reason why they are gathered in the first place: Rose had their mother’s body exhumed for an autopsy report.
Everyone erupts in anger, but the autopsy report could clear up their mother’s death, especially because there are other people in their midst:
Anna (Angeli Bayani), Juaning’s former caretaker and an escapee from a mental hospital, Jacob (Kelvin Miranda), Juaning’s gardener, who has an unexpected claim to the ancestral house, and Alfred, Raquel’s live-in partner, who insists on letting Jacob defend himself as the family questions his true intentions and involvement.
Soon, deep-seated issues surface, more shocking secrets are revealed, and their ancestral house is at the point of crumbling down, just like their fragile bonds.
Showing in cinemas this Oct. 22, “Every Juan Knows Every Juan”, is guaranteed to entertain you with humor, drama, and intrigue.