In his latest sci-fi romance, A Glimpse to Forever, director Jason Paul Laxamana weaves a story about love, longing, and the thin line between reality and the virtual world. Inspired by his own experiences with social anxiety, Laxamana creates an interesting narrative that leaves the audience questioning the future of relationships in a tech-driven era.
In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, Laxamana (Expensive Candy, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, and Just a Stranger) spoke about how the film was conceived.
“The film has something to do with my experience as a person with social anxiety. During the height of the pandemic, I accidentally became popular on Facebook because I was releasing content using Snapchat filters and imitating elderly Kapampangans. I went viral because of that,” he recalled.
“Then I asked myself, why am I so confident when I have a filter but when I don’t, my social anxiety attacks me. That’s the inspiration for the film, and of course, I love sci-fi. I watch Black Mirror,” he revealed.
The film stars Jasmine Curtis Smith as Glenda, a woman disillusioned with her fiancé. Seeking solace, she ventures into ForeVR, a virtual dating studio offering a smorgasbord of personalized companions. There, she stumbles upon “The Boy Next Door,” a character initially rejected by others due to his bluntness. Yet, it’s this honesty that resonates with Glenda, sparking an unexpected connection with the virtual being voiced and controlled by Dante (Jerome Ponce), a struggling actor battling his own social anxiety.
As their bond deepens, Glenda and Dante find comfort and understanding in each other’s virtual personas. However, a challenge looms: ForeVR strictly prohibits revealing real identities. This rule forces them to grapple with the question of whether their love can blossom beyond the digital barrier, venturing into the messy reality where insecurities and anxieties reside.
With A Glimpse to Forever, Laxamana wanted to explore the complexities of virtual relationships and their impact on the human condition. He doesn’t provide easy answers, instead choosing to pose questions that spark critical reflection. Does love built on shared vulnerability in a simulated space translate to the real world? Can technology bridge the gap between our authentic selves and the personas we present online?
“I want the film to be an examination of where we’re headed about relationships with the rise of AI and virtual technology. It poses more questions to the audience than it provides answers because we don’t know the answers. The film just wants to engage the audience to think about where we’re heading,” Laxamana said alluding to the film’s thematic depth.
“The film isn’t just about two individuals, it’s about the impact of technology on our social interactions and how it shapes our perception of ourselves and others,” he added.
Joining Smith and Ponce is Diego Loyzaga playing a pivotal role in the film that promises to be both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating.
From Viva Films, A Glimpse to Forever arrives in cinemas nationwide on March 6.