Actor Jerald Napoles had a special request for the audience at the recent red carpet premiere of his new film, Instant Daddy: take a selfie before watching the film and another one after. He said, “I promise, You’ll be surprised there’s a big difference on how you look.”
While I didn’t follow his instruction, I can definitely say that I looked different after leaving my seat at the cinema, with tears still streaming down my face.
Instant Daddy is a family drama that follows Val Roxas (Napoles), a bachelor who suddenly finds himself raising a young girl named Mira (Althea Ruedas) after her mother disappears. Val is forced to confront his own baggage and learn what it means to be a father.
The film is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Napoles gives a career-best performance as Val, and Ruedas is equally impressive as Mira.
The movie takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the complexities of fatherhood, relationships, and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the sake of their loved ones.
Val is man who has sworn off serious relationships due to a painful past growing up in a broken family. His life is filled with casual flings until one day, Julie (played by Danita Paner) appears with a child, claiming it’s Val’s. This sudden revelation thrusts Val into an unexpected journey of fatherhood, as he becomes an “Instant Daddy.”
The film’s strength lies in the heartfelt portrayal of Val’s transformation from a commitment-phobe to a devoted father. The character’s initial reluctance and lack of preparedness for fatherhood are both believable and endearing.
The true star of the film, however, is Mira, the child Val unexpectedly finds himself caring for. As the years go by, taking care of Mira becomes more than just a duty for Val; it becomes his joy. Mira, played brilliantly by a young actress, embodies the innocence and wonder of childhood. She is a sassy yet lovable girl who brings an abundance of positivity to the screen. Mira’s fascination with the “Magic Island” adds a touch of whimsy and serves as a reminder of the importance of imagination in a child’s life.
One of the film’s central themes is the longing for maternal love that Mira harbors despite the love and care she receives from her “Daddy Val.” The emotional complexity of this aspect of the story is a highlight, making “Instant Daddy” more than just a typical family drama.
When Julie returns to seek custody of Mira, the film takes a poignant turn. Val’s ultimate sacrifice, which I won’t reveal here, is the emotional climax of the movie, and it is executed with sensitivity and heart, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
While Instant Daddy successfully tugs at the heartstrings and offers a compelling narrative, the film does have its moments of predictability and clichés. However, the strong performances and the overall emotional resonance of the story make these minor flaws easy to overlook.
In the end, “Instant Daddy” is a touching exploration of the bonds of family and the sacrifices we’re willing to make for those we love. Jerald Napoles shines in this family drama, and the film is sure to leave you with a bittersweet smile on your face as you exit the cinema.
Meanwhile, if you’re watching the movie, don’t forget to take that second selfie after the movie, as you’ll likely find yourself looking at the world with a newfound appreciation for the power of love and sacrifice.