In “Meg & Ryan,” Rhian Ramos delivers one of her most raw and fearless performances to date as Meg Zamonte, a wealthy woman hardened by heartbreak, numbing herself with alcohol, casual flings, and a deep distrust of men.
She fully inhabits the role—making Meg not just daring and broken, but also compellingly human.
From the moment she enters the frame, Rhian owns Meg’s contradictions. She’s confident yet crumbling, glamorous yet visibly exhausted by her own self-sabotage. What could’ve been a surface-level “hot mess” is instead given emotional gravity.
Her chemistry with JC Santos, who plays Ryan Cañete—a 30-something virgin who is quiet, sweet, and maybe a bit too innocent—is both awkward and tender.
JC brings his usual charm to the proceedings but his portrayal occasionally borders on caricature. The “hopeless virgin” trope feels forced at times, and while Santos commits to the role, the balance is off. It’s unclear whether the exaggerated innocence is his choice or a directorial decision by Cathy Camarillo, who appears intent on keeping the film in rom-com territory.
And therein lies the film’s biggest contradiction: “Meg & Ryan” flirts with emotional darkness but ultimately pulls back, choosing lightness over introspection.
With a script penned by Gina Marissa Tagasa, the film had all the ingredients for a more daring character study—one that examines depression, alcoholism, and the consequences of uninhibited actions. Instead, the film chooses a safer path, smoothing out its roughest edges in favor of feel-good beats.
The visuals are superb: soft and nostalgic, with a romantic aesthetic reminiscent of 90s Filipino rom-coms. It’s a look that works well, even if it adds to the slightly dated feel of the film.
The dialogue is surprisingly sharp and grounded—Gina’s writing finds authenticity in quiet exchanges, especially when Rhian is given space to carry a scene without embellishment.
Ultimately, “Meg & Ryan” is a film caught between two identities: a light romantic comedy and a potential character-driven drama. While it’s entertaining and emotionally engaging in parts—thanks in large part to Rhian—it never quite commits to being either. Had the film leaned more courageously into Meg’s inner turmoil, it could have been something unforgettable.
“Meg & Ryan” opens in cinemas Aug. 6.
