Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino team up anew in “Hold Me Close,” Viva Films’ official entry for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
Written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, the romance-drama follows the story of two individuals, Woody (Carlo) and Lynlyn (Julia).
Woody, a wandering soul who has traveled extensively for years in search of a place he could call home, ultimately settles in the city of Karatsu in Saga, Japan, after a short meeting with Lynlyn, a pretty but enigmatic squid vendor.
Of course, he didn’t know that Lynlyn possesses a unique ability that allows her to detect whether a person will cause joy or pain in her life just by touching them.
As Woody starts courting her, Lynlyn tries to use her gift of touch on him but didn’t detect anything at all.
It was only after she was already falling for Woody that she suddenly detected something negative about him.
Her gift foretells that he will bring her pain. As a result, Lynlyn distances herself from Woody despite their undeniable connection.
Can Woody’s persistence change her mind? Does the heart truly know better than destiny?
Written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, “Hold Me Close” marks the second time Julia and Carlo are sharing the big screen following “Expensive Candy” in 2022.
“Hold Me Close” also marks a much-anticipated MMFF return for both stars.
Julia’s last appearance in the festival was in 2016 via “Vince and Kath and James.”
Carlo was in the 2012 entry “Shake, Rattle, and Roll XIV.”
Jason competed in last year’s MMFF with the action-adventure epic “Penduko.”
“Hold Me Close” opens in cinemas nationwide December 25.
