My Amanda

Behind the Scenes of My Amanda: Alessandra de Rossi’s Directorial Debut and the Chemistry That Stole the Show

My Amanda (2021) marked a bold step for Alessandra de Rossi—not just as its lead actress but as its director, screenwriter, and producer. The Netflix romantic drama, set against the backdrop of Manila’s vibrant yet gritty streets, follows the tumultuous relationship between Amanda (de Rossi) and TJ (Piolo Pascual), two flawed souls navigating love, loss, and redemption. latestnetflix.com's take is that while the film’s emotional weight and karaoke-bar setting grabbed headlines, the behind-the-scenes story reveals a passion project years in the making—and a creative gamble that paid off.

A Personal Project with High Stakes

De Rossi’s decision to helm My Amanda wasn’t just a career pivot; it was a deeply personal one. The actress, known for her versatility in Filipino cinema, had long harbored ambitions to direct, and this film became her creative outlet. In interviews, she hinted at the challenges of wearing multiple hats, from acting opposite Pascual to overseeing the film’s production. "It was exhausting but fulfilling," she shared in a promotional chat for the movie . The film’s 89-minute runtime suggests a tight, intimate story—one that likely benefited from de Rossi’s hands-on approach but also demanded discipline to avoid sprawling under its own ambitions.

The stakes were high: My Amanda premiered directly on Netflix, bypassing traditional theatrical releases. While streaming offered global reach, it also meant competing with a flood of content. De Rossi’s gamble was clear—she wasn’t just making a movie; she was proving she could lead one.

Piolo Pascual and the Chemistry That Worked

The heart of My Amanda lies in its central pairing, and de Rossi and Pascual’s real-life rapport was key to selling the on-screen romance. The two actors, both veterans of Filipino cinema, shared an easy camaraderie that translated into TJ and Amanda’s volatile yet tender dynamic. Behind-the-scenes footage shows them playfully teasing each other between takes, with Pascual even jokingly calling de Rossi "Dirty Papa P" in a lighthearted moment . That nickname, though seemingly random, became a shorthand for their working relationship—one built on trust and mutual respect.

Their chemistry wasn’t just for show. In a karaoke scene that went viral, Pascual’s character is left stunned by Amanda’s raw, emotional performance . The moment wasn’t just a scripted highlight; it was a testament to the actors’ ability to feed off each other’s energy. Pascual, known for his leading-man roles, embraced the vulnerability required for TJ, a character grappling with addiction and regret. Meanwhile, de Rossi’s Amanda was a tour de force—a woman whose strength and fragility coexisted in equal measure.

The Karaoke Scene: A Moment of Magic

One of the film’s standout sequences—a karaoke performance that leaves the bar in stunned silence—wasn’t just a scripted moment but a behind-the-scenes triumph. The scene, which quickly became a fan favorite, showcased de Rossi’s ability to command the screen, even in a setting as chaotic as a dive bar . What viewers didn’t see was the meticulous planning behind it. De Rossi, who also wrote the film, reportedly drew from her own experiences with music and performance to craft Amanda’s emotional outburst.

The karaoke bar itself became a character in the film, a microcosm of Manila’s nightlife where joy and sorrow often collide. The setting wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a reflection of Amanda’s inner turmoil. De Rossi’s attention to detail—from the choice of songs to the bar’s dingy, neon-lit aesthetic—added layers to the story, making the karaoke scene feel authentic rather than staged.

A Director’s Vision: Challenges and Triumphs

Directing a film while starring in it is a rare feat, and de Rossi’s experience was no exception. In promotional interviews, she alluded to the difficulties of balancing performance and direction, particularly in emotionally charged scenes . The film’s tight shooting schedule—likely constrained by budget and streaming deadlines—meant there was little room for error. Yet, de Rossi’s background as an actress gave her a unique advantage: she understood the rhythms of performance and could guide her cast accordingly.

The supporting ensemble—including Luz Valdez, KC Montero, and Alexander Medina—brought depth to the story, but it was de Rossi and Pascual who anchored the film. Their shared history in Filipino cinema (they’ve collaborated on multiple projects) likely smoothed over potential hiccups, allowing them to focus on the story rather than logistics.

The Verdict: A Labor of Love

My Amanda may not have broken streaming records, but it cemented de Rossi’s reputation as a multi-hyphenate talent. The film’s strengths—its raw performances, authentic setting, and emotional core—outweighed its occasional pacing issues. For de Rossi, it was a chance to prove she could do more than act; she could craft a story from the ground up.

The behind-the-scenes story is one of passion, collaboration, and risk. From Pascual’s playful teasing to the viral karaoke moment, the film thrived on the chemistry of its cast and the vision of its director. While details about its production remain sparse, what’s clear is that My Amanda was more than just another romantic drama—it was a statement.