This Quantum and CineKo Films entry to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival is an engaging examination and dissection of the legal process for annulment of marriage in the Philippines, where divorce does not exist. Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, from a screenplay written by Chris Martinez and Therese Cayaba, UnMarry is inspired by the experiences and cases handled by Atty. Josabeth ‘Joji’ Alonso, one of the producers behind Quantum.

A couple bump into each other at the office of their lawyer. Both Celine (Angelica Panganiban) and Ivan (Zanjoe Marudo) have come to the law office of Atty. Jackie Lombridas (Eugene Domingo) with their own individual marital woes. Celine is seeking an annulment from Stephen (Tom Rodriguez), while Ivan is fighting against the annulment case that Maya (Solenn Heussaff) has filed. So it’s established that Celine and Ivan have their personal journeys, but have a ‘meet-cute’ situation at their attorney’s office. Here’s the Rom-Com premise/element to the film.

It’s through the central character, Atty. Jackie, we are taken on a guided tour of Annulment 101, and why presently, it’s the only resort for couples striving to break free of their marriages. The oft-cited reason of psychological incapacity is invoked, we have the collateral damage of the children and relatives, and we’re shown the desperate and extreme measures taken when an annulment is sought. What’s done well here is humanizing the story, showing how different reasons and circumstances exist, how it affects other individuals, and how, sometimes, reasons for wanting the termination can be mental cruelty or persecution - things that may not be easy to detect or discern in a marriage, if one is on the outside looking in.

Celine runs a food business that carries her own recipe and name, but it was financed entirely by Stephen - and he never lets her forget this, as she pursues the annulment. Ivan is an artist/illustrator, and had an issue with alcohol, but wants badly to prove he’s a good father and has successfully resolved his addiction issues. That the ‘meet cute’ of the two may lead to something is never far from our thoughts, but thankfully, the screenplay eschews the traditional rom-com resolution and instead gives us a nifty surprise - one that is truly worth waiting for. It’s hinted at several times, but many may not see it coming - and I loved that.

There are strong support roles for the likes of Angel Aquino, Mari Kaimo, and Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino. But when we ask who’s the scene-stealer in this film, I would give the prize to Eugene Domingo. Her portrayal of the social media-savvy lawyer is spot on - domineering and a ballbuster when needed, an insecure jellybean when facing an old professor in court. It’s a role meant for Eugene, and it’s only right to have her in the opening sequence, setting the film's tone.

Angelica Panganiban strikes the right balance between being fragile and a Stockholm syndrome victim on one hand, and finding the resolve to seek the annulment. Zanjoe Marudo has always been a laid back, placid actor; so it’s nice he’s given moments to flare up. My only personal observation would be that if I threw up on a shirt I’m wearing at a bar, I'd take it off the moment I got home and change into something clean. But maybe that’s just me.

I like UnMarry for taking an issue of relevance and humanizing it. I also appreciate how the film demonstrates that there are no black-and-whites when it comes to annulment. Most parties will have redeeming qualities or have brought something good into the marriage. And lastly, I give a thumbs up to how, in the midst of showcasing annulment and the rights of individuals to carry on after a marriage ends, the film shows that there are those, no matter how cynical, who do believe in marriage and will uphold the institution. A movie with a lot of ‘heart’.