Hurricane Love: A Raw Look at Marriage’s Stormy Truths

The storm raging around Billie and Jecs’ island honeymoon cabin is nothing compared to the emotional tempest brewing between them. Manny Palo’s “What If?” (2023) traps its newlywed musicians in a literal and metaphorical hurricane, forcing them—and us—to confront the fragility of love and marriage. Alessandra de Rossi and JM de Guzman anchor this Filipino drama with raw, unflinching performances that make their characters’ struggles feel painfully real.

Palo’s direction is confident, using the storm as both a literal and symbolic force. The film opens with a breathtaking shot of waves crashing against the shore, setting an immediate tone of chaos and uncertainty. This visual metaphor is reinforced throughout the film, with the storm serving as a constant reminder of the turbulent emotions at play. The sound design is particularly noteworthy, with the howling wind and pounding rain creating an immersive atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re right there in the cabin with Billie and Jecs. The use of sound is not just atmospheric but also narrative, with the storm’s crescendos and lulls mirroring the ebb and flow of the couple’s arguments.

The story’s strength lies in its willingness to explore the messy, uncomfortable truths about marriage. Billie’s discovery of Jecs’ infidelity sets off a chain reaction of revelations and recriminations, exposing the cracks in their relationship. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the ugliness of betrayal and the difficulty of forgiveness, making it a refreshingly honest take on modern romance. This is not a fairy tale where love conquers all; it’s a grounded exploration of how two people navigate the aftermath of a profound breach of trust.

However, “What If?” stumbles in its pacing. The first act is gripping, but the middle sagging with repetitive arguments and drawn-out confrontations. Some scenes feel like they’re going in circles, rehashing the same points without adding new depth or insight. For instance, the scene where Billie and Jecs argue about the nature of their relationship feels particularly drawn out, with the same emotional beats hit multiple times without progression. Additionally, the film’s structure—showing the end at the beginning—is a gimmick that ultimately distracts from the story rather than enhancing it. This narrative choice, while intended to create suspense, instead creates confusion and makes the journey to the inevitable conclusion feel less impactful.

The supporting cast is solid but largely overshadowed by de Rossi and de Guzman. Chard Ocampo as Will, Billie’s ex-boyfriend, brings a welcome energy to his scenes, but his character feels underdeveloped. His presence serves more as a catalyst for Billie’s introspection than as a fully realized person with his own motivations and backstory. Similarly, Ana Abad Santos as Doris, Jecs’ sister, has moments of depth but isn’t given enough screen time to make a real impact. Her subplot about her own marital issues is interesting but feels tacked on, as if the film is trying to cram in too many themes without fully exploring any of them.

Nicole Omillo as Dianne, Billie’s best friend, provides a much-needed outside perspective. Her scenes are some of the film’s most grounded and relatable, offering a glimpse into the kind of support system that Billie might need to navigate her marital crisis. Angie Castrence as Gina and Soliman Cruz as Francis add layers to the narrative with their subplots, but again, these feel like they’re competing for screen time rather than complementing the central story.

The film’s themes are timely and relevant, exploring not just infidelity but also the broader challenges of early marriage. The pressure to make a relationship work, the fear of failure, and the struggle to communicate effectively are all explored with nuance. However, the film sometimes struggles to balance these themes, trying to tackle too much at once without giving any single theme the attention it deserves.

Comparisons to Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” are inevitable, given the similar subject matter. While “What If?” doesn’t reach the heights of Baumbach’s film, which explores similar territory with more nuance and precision, it carves out its own space in the genre. Where “Marriage Story” is a masterclass in balancing humor and heartbreak, “What If?” is more straightforwardly dramatic, relying on raw emotion to drive its narrative.

One of the film’s standout moments is a scene where Billie and Jecs attempt to reconcile, only to find themselves stuck in another argument. The raw emotion on display here is palpable, with de Rossi and de Guzman delivering some of their best work. De Rossi’s portrayal of Billie’s anguish and betrayal is particularly powerful, capturing the complex mix of anger, sadness, and longing that defines her character. De Guzman, meanwhile, brings a vulnerability to Jecs that makes his character more than just a cheater; he’s a flawed individual trying to navigate his own mistakes and fears.

However, this scene also highlights the film’s tendency to linger too long on certain conflicts without moving them forward. The repetitive nature of their arguments can make the film feel stagnant at times, as if it’s stuck in an emotional loop without finding a way out.

The supporting cast, while not as memorable as the leads, brings depth to the story. Jett Pangan as Enrico Neri has a small but pivotal role that adds an unexpected twist to the story. His character serves as a reminder that relationships are complex and multifaceted, and that sometimes, the truth is more complicated than it seems.

“What If?” is ultimately a film for those who enjoy seeing relationships tested to their limits. It’s not an easy watch, nor is it meant to be. The film forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about love and commitment, making it a challenging but rewarding experience. While it may frustrate those looking for tighter storytelling or more balanced pacing, it offers a raw and honest exploration of marriage that is both timely and universal.

In the end, “What If?” is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to make a relationship work. It’s a testament to the power of de Rossi and de Guzman’s performances, as well as Palo’s confident direction.