Dissecting the mother-and-child conflict
‘Everything About Her’ is a funny, poignant tale that illustrates the plight of neglected children and mothers who are victims of their own ambitions, while promoting family values and inspiring faith and humility
Mommy issues — this is the core of Star Cinema’s 2016 drama-comedy, Everything About Her, currently streaming on Netflix.
Vivian Rabaya (Vilma Santos) is a feared real estate tycoon. She graces the covers of local and international magazines. She occasionally gives motivational speeches, getting away with cuss words before awestruck audiences.
She’s at the top of her game — until cancer strikes.
Enter Jaica (Angel Locsin), a bright, young and jaunty nurse hired as Vivian’s personal healthcare provider. Jaica’s presence in her life leads Vivian’s estranged son Albert (Xian Lim) back home, giving Vivian the chance to make up for lost time.
Joyce Bernal directs this emotionally rich tale of a mother-and-child relationship. It examines the gap that creates a conflict between hardworking career women and their neglected kids. Can we blame these mothers? And is it right for neglected children to be hateful and unforgiving of their own mothers?
The screenplay by Irene Emma Villamor (director of Sid & Aya; Meet Me in St. Gallen; On Vodka, Beers and Regrets) is smart, tight and character-driven.
In fact, it is perhaps the best among Villamor’s scripts. Her main characters here are multi-layered.
Everything About Her succeeds in dissecting the complex family relationship between a mother and her child. It portrays the mother as an individual, her own person, with her own dreams and flaws.
Reminiscent of Meryl Streep’s character Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, Vivian does not really project a terrifying vibe. Aside from having a soft and friendly face, she is neither a mean person nor a villain, though short-tempered due to her incompetent workers.
Compassionate It’s the pained mother in Vivian that is apparent in the film. Behind the monster-like figure in the workplace is a compassionate, generous human being. Locsin’s working-class character Jaica is a delight. She has great chemistry with Santos’ wealthy Vivian and provides the film’s humor element.
As the eldest child of a motherless brood, Jaica has her own mommy issues, her resentment evident in the family’s pet dog Nanay (mother). Whenever she is updated on Nanay’s whereabouts or condition, it’s a riot. Xian Lim delivers a competent performance as Vivian’s resentful, angry son Albert. But it’s Santos and Locsin who shine — effortless, natural, and searing in their respective character portrayals.
Bernal brings out the nuances and emotional depth of the three main characters.
There are cheesy and erroneous dialogues, but they are minimal and forgivable. The last act fumbles and is a bit overstretched, but does not deviate from the plot.
Everything About Her is a funny, poignant tale that illustrates the plight of neglected children and mothers who are victims of their own ambitions, while promoting family values and inspiring faith and humility.
To quote one of the most memorable lines from Vivian, “Maybe I needed this cancer. I needed this deadline.” 4 out of 5 stars Stream on Netflix