Bianca de Vera
Vanna / Savannah Aquino
Overview
Confident college senior Savannah must choose between wild bad boy L.A. and ambitious Vic while facing personal growth and past hurts, all while staying true to herself.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min read AI-generated editorial review
The Messy, Magnetic Heart of Love You So Bad
I’ll admit it: I went into Love You So Bad expecting a fluffy, fan-servicey romp built on the chemistry of three Pinoy Big Brother alums. And in some ways, that’s exactly what it is. But somewhere between the predictable love-triangle beats and the frenetic editing, something unexpected happens. The film stumbles into a kind of raw, uneven honesty—one that feels less like a calculated crowd-pleaser and more like a group of young actors and a director figuring out how to turn their own baggage into art. It’s messy. It’s often frustrating. And yet, I couldn’t look away.
Mae Cruz-Alviar, the director behind last year’s sleeper hit Rewind, doesn’t so much reinvent the romantic comedy as she does drag it, kicking and screaming, into the emotional wreckage of early adulthood. The premise is familiar: Savannah (Bianca de Vera), a confident college senior with a sharp tongue and a habit of self-sabotage, finds herself torn between two men—Victor (Will Ashley), the ambitious med student with a heart of gold, and Laurence Adrian (Dustin Yu), the bad boy with a motorcycle and a smirk that promises trouble. (The film’s original title, Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita, nods to its 1998 inspiration, but this version swaps out the ‘90s melodrama for something closer to Gen Z chaos.) What should feel like a retread instead becomes a surprisingly physical film—one where the camera lingers on the way Savannah’s fingers dig into her own arms when she’s lying, or how Vic’s shoulders hunch when he’s trying not to cry.
The film’s biggest strength is its refusal to let its leads coast on charm. De Vera, in particular, is a revelation. She’s been typecast as the bubbly ingénue in the past, but here, she plays Savannah like a woman who’s spent years perfecting the art of pushing people away before they can leave her first. There’s a scene midway through where she drunkenly confesses to Vic that she doesn’t know how to be loved—her voice cracks, her hands shake, and for a moment, the camera holds on her face just a beat too long, as if Alviar knows we’re seeing something real. It’s the kind of performance that makes you wonder why she isn’t getting more complex roles. Will Ashley, too, surprises. Vic is the kind of character who could easily slide into bland nice-guy territory, but Ashley gives him a quiet intensity, especially in the scenes where he’s forced to confront his own privilege. (A late-film argument between him and Savannah, shot in a single take with the camera circling them like a predator, is the closest the movie comes to feeling truly alive.)
I’ll admit it: I went into Love You So Bad expecting a fluffy, fan-servicey romp built on the chemistry of three Pinoy Big Brother alums. And in some ways, that’s exactly what it is. But somewhere between the predictable love-triangle beats and the frenetic editing, something unexpected happens. The film stumbles into a kind of raw, uneven honesty—one that feels less like a calculated crowd-pleaser and more like a group of young actors and a director figuring out how to turn their own baggage into art. It’s messy. It’s often frustrating. And yet, I couldn’t look away.
Mae Cruz-Alviar, the director behind last year’s sleeper hit Rewind, doesn’t so much reinvent the romantic comedy as she does drag it, kicking and screaming, into the emotional wreckage of early adulthood. The premise is familiar: Savannah (Bianca de Vera), a confident college senior with a sharp tongue and a habit of self-sabotage, finds herself torn between two men—Victor (Will Ashley), the ambitious med student with a heart of gold, and Laurence Adrian (Dustin Yu), the bad boy with a motorcycle and a smirk that promises trouble. (The film’s original title, Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita, nods to its 1998 inspiration, but this version swaps out the ‘90s melodrama for something closer to Gen Z chaos.) What should feel like a retread instead becomes a surprisingly physical film—one where the camera lingers on the way Savannah’s fingers dig into her own arms when she’s lying, or how Vic’s shoulders hunch when he’s trying not to cry.
The film’s biggest strength is its refusal to let its leads coast on charm. De Vera, in particular, is a revelation. She’s been typecast as the bubbly ingénue in the past, but here, she plays Savannah like a woman who’s spent years perfecting the art of pushing people away before they can leave her first. There’s a scene midway through where she drunkenly confesses to Vic that she doesn’t know how to be loved—her voice cracks, her hands shake, and for a moment, the camera holds on her face just a beat too long, as if Alviar knows we’re seeing something real. It’s the kind of performance that makes you wonder why she isn’t getting more complex roles. Will Ashley, too, surprises. Vic is the kind of character who could easily slide into bland nice-guy territory, but Ashley gives him a quiet intensity, especially in the scenes where he’s forced to confront his own privilege. (A late-film argument between him and Savannah, shot in a single take with the camera circling them like a predator, is the closest the movie comes to feeling truly alive.)
Audience Opinions
AI summary of viewer review patterns
Audience 7.2/10 AI
"A charming but formulaic romance that shines brightest in its lead performances and chemistry."
Viewers appreciate the fresh energy Bianca de Vera and Will Ashley bring to the screen, making their romantic tension the highlight of the film. However, the predictable plot and underdeveloped side characters leave some wanting more depth and originality in the storytelling.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead performances Bianca de Vera and Will Ashley deliver engaging and believable performances that anchor the film.
- Great on-screen chemistry The romantic tension between the leads feels authentic and keeps the story engaging.
- Visually appealing The film’s aesthetic and cinematography are praised for adding a stylish touch to the romance.
Common complaints
- Predictable storyline The plot follows familiar romance tropes, making it feel unoriginal to some viewers.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles, including those played by Dimples Romana and Agot Isidro, lack depth and impact.
- Thin emotional depth Some viewers feel the film could have explored its characters' backstories and emotions more thoroughly.
Recommended for
Romance movie fans Bianca de Vera admirers Filipino cinema enthusiasts Lighthearted drama lovers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
AI-generated full plot summary Loading…
Buzz & Rumors
Public reports AI-researched entertainment notes
Bianca de Vera Steps Into the Spotlight in Love You So Bad—And Sparks Fly On and Off Screen
Mae Cruz-Alviar’s Love You So Bad (2025) isn’t just another Metro Manila Film Festival entry—it’s the rom-com drama that’s got fans shipping its leads before the cameras even stopped rolling. At the center of the buzz is Bianca de Vera, making her big-screen debut as Savannah Aquino, a bold and sassy university student whose love life spirals into chaos when she finds herself torn between two very different men: Vic (Will Ashley) and LA (Dustin Yu) 
.
The film, set against a school backdrop, promises all the hallmarks of Cruz-Alviar’s signature style—emotionally charged female leads, fake relationships, and a love triangle that’s equal parts kilig and tension . But behind the scenes, the chemistry between de Vera and her co-stars has already become the stuff of industry gossip, with fans and media dissecting every interaction.
A Breakout Role—and a Love Triangle That’s Got Fans Talking
De Vera’s Savannah is a far cry from the supporting roles she’s known for. In a recent interview, the actress gushed about stepping into the spotlight, calling the experience a "discovery" of her own potential—and her co-stars’ [1]. But it’s her on-screen dynamic with Ashley and Yu that’s stealing the show. The trailer alone, which teases a complicated romance between Savannah, Vic, and LA, has sent fans into a frenzy, with some already declaring their allegiance to either the "Vicannah" or "Savannah-LA" ship [3].
The tension isn’t just for the cameras, either. Rumors of off-screen sparks between de Vera and Yu have been swirling for months, fueled by fan-driven shipping wars and even a minor controversy over de Vera’s vacation photos with co-stars . While neither actor has addressed the rumors directly, the buzz has only amplified anticipation for the film’s Christmas Day release.
Mae Cruz-Alviar’s Formula: Romance, Drama, and a Dash of Chaos
Cruz-Alviar isn’t new to crafting box-office hits. After the record-breaking success of Rewind (2023), she’s once again teaming up with a powerhouse cast to deliver a story that blends romance, drama, and coming-of-age themes . Love You So Bad leans into familiar tropes—a fake relationship, a university setting, and a protagonist whose emotional journey takes center stage—but the director’s knack for balancing humor and heartbreak could make it stand out in the crowded MMFF lineup [4].
The supporting cast adds depth to the story, with Dimples Romana, Agot Isidro, and Ana Abad Santos bringing their seasoned gravitas to the mix. Meanwhile, Bodjie Pascua, Desiree del Valle, Victor Neri, and Bernard Palanca round out the ensemble, though their roles remain largely under wraps [4]. With a runtime of just under two hours, the film is positioned as a tight, binge-worthy romantic drama—perfect for audiences craving a mix of kilig and catharsis.
Controversy and Hype: The Double-Edged Sword of Shipping Culture
For all its promise, Love You So Bad hasn’t been without its share of drama. The so-called "Bianca De Vera vacation controversy" erupted earlier this year when fans accused the actress of playing favorites after vacation photos with Yu and Ashley surfaced online [5]. The incident, though minor, highlighted the intense scrutiny young stars face in the age of shipping culture—and how quickly fandoms can turn on even the most innocuous moments.
De Vera herself has stayed relatively quiet about the backlash, focusing instead on promoting the film. In a recent appearance on Kapamilya Chat, she teased more details about Savannah’s journey, hinting at the emotional rollercoaster audiences can expect [1]. Whether the off-screen tensions will translate into on-screen magic—or just another tabloid footnote—remains to be seen.
**What to Expect When Love You So Bad Hits Theaters**
With its December 25 release date, Love You So Bad is poised to be a holiday crowd-pleaser. The film’s blend of romance, drama, and a love triangle set in a university setting is a tried-and-true formula, but Cruz-Alviar’s direction and de Vera’s breakout performance could give it the edge it needs to stand out [4]. For fans of the genre, the real draw might not just be the story—but the behind-the-scenes drama that’s already made it one of the most talked-about films of the year.
One thing’s for sure: whether you’re Team Vic or Team LA, Love You So Bad is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone who loves their rom-coms with a side of chaos.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
Movies
Similar Movies
Related titles ranked by rating and popularity.
Amélie
2001 • Movie
Casablanca
1943 • Movie
Match Point
2005 • Movie
The Dreamers
2003 • Movie
3-Iron
2004 • Movie
The Piano
1993 • Movie
Doctor Zhivago
1965 • Movie
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
1927 • Movie
To Be or Not to Be
1942 • Movie
The Horse Whisperer
1998 • Movie
Contempt
1963 • Movie
Bull Durham
1988 • Movie