What If (2023) follows newlywed couple Jecs and Billie as they try to navigate the complexities of their relationship on an island honeymoon.
What If (2023) is a romantic Filipino drama helmed by Manny Palo and starring Alessandro de Rossi and JM DE Guzman in the key roles. The movie unfurls in Panglao where two newlywed musicians, caught in a tempest during their honeymoon, confront harsh realities that threaten to fracture their marriage’s harmony. In the tumultuous storm, they grapple with profound truths that may tarnish the very fabric of their union. What If‘s ending leads the audience to believe that Jecs and Billie’s relationship may be on the verge of collapse before establishing that there’s more love in the couple’s hearts than they are willing to show.
What If Story Summary
Musicians Jose ‘Jecs’ Cruz (JM de Guzman) and Isabella ‘Billie’ Neri (Alessandro de Rossi), newlyweds for just two days, brim with excitement as they embark on their honeymoon adventure to the picturesque island of Panglao. Billie, at the wheel, can’t help but feel a twinge of frustration as Jecs, her husband, is deeply engrossed in crafting his latest song. Time is scarce, and his persistent manager, Will, incessantly demands the song’s immediate completion. Billie vents her exasperation about Jecs’ work intruding on their honeymoon, while Jecs struggles to find the perfect words for his composition. Their journey to the island progresses, and just as they arrive, Will’s call disrupts their idyllic moment once again. Billie takes charge, firmly requesting that Will refrain from disturbing them during this cherished time.
Soon Jecs senses the fleeting signals and seizes the opportunity to go live, showcasing a line of travel bags alongside his beloved wife. During this impromptu promotion, the couple serendipitously encounters Francis, the island’s caretaker, poised by the waterfront, ready to transport them to their island retreat via a boat. As they step foot on Panglao, they are immediately bewitched by the island’s unparalleled beauty and the charming abode they’ll call home. Billie silently hopes that Jecs can momentarily set aside his work and be wholly present with her amidst this tropical paradise.
With no other visitors in sight, Jecs and Billie revel in the prospect of having the island entirely to themselves. Panglao’s dedicated caretakers, Francis and his wife, Gina, reside in a cozy hut on the island and stand ready to assist the newlyweds with their every need. Upon meeting Jecs, Gina instantly recognizes the renowned singer and harmonizes with him on his famous ballad, “What If”, creating an enchanting musical moment that deepens the couple’s connection to this enchanting island.
Jecs and Billie Face Troubles in Paradise
Amidst their cherished moments on the island, Jecs and Billie’s honeymoon tranquility is repeatedly disrupted by incessant calls from Jecs’ mother. These calls, though often trivial, serve as a persistent reminder of her eager anticipation for a grandchild. Simultaneously, Billie’s father, Enrico Neri, a renowned musician himself, persistently attempts to reach his daughter. However, Billie, still nursing the hurt from her father’s absence at their wedding, adamantly avoids his calls. In the evening, Billie and Jecs spend some quality time together, and Billie comes up with an observation – a girl named Sunshine has been liking all her posts except her wedding posts. Jecs comments that there is nothing to overthink about. Billie comments with a laugh that maybe she likes Jecs, and Jecs reassures Billie that he loves only her.
Flashbacks to the genesis of Jecs and Billie’s relationship take the stage at this moment, recounting how they first crossed paths. Jecs, in dire need of a keyboardist for his debut album, encounters Billie, whose candor and constructive criticism resonate with him. Their artistic synergy sparks the beginning of a musical journey that soon transcends the studio, blossoming into a romantic partnership. In due course, Jecs summons the courage to propose to Billie, sealing their bond with a promise of forever.
Returning to the present, the island’s serene atmosphere is disrupted by a brewing storm, mirroring the tempestuous turn in Jecs and Billie’s honeymoon. Billie inadvertently overhears a video call between Jecs and his mother, during which Jecs’ mother audaciously prescribes herbal oil for Billie’s purported condition, with the intent of facilitating their journey to parenthood. Billie gets hurt because of Jecs’ failure to intervene or shield her from his mother’s unsolicited advice, stirring a profound rift in their romantic idyll.
What If Ending Explained
Revelations unfold on the island, unearthing the back story of Billie and Jecs’ relationship. Billie, who endured a harrowing childhood marked by her abusive father, confides in Jecs. Jecs, resolute on being a better father for their future children, receives a surprising disclosure from Billie. She shares her diagnosis of premature ovarian failure, which renders her incapable of conceiving children. Billie’s contentment without children offers Jecs an opportunity to reconsider their marriage’s foundation, questioning his motives. Jecs, unwavering in his love for Billie, reassures her that his commitment is genuine.
In the present, as island caretakers Francis and Gina depart for the village to refuel their boat, Billie and Jecs reconnect. Jecs pledges to address the concerns with his mother, but Billie’s estranged father, Enrico, persistently calls, evoking painful memories of his past callousness. Billie reminds Jecs of her father’s lack of support and disparagement when they announced their marriage. The contentious issue of children resurfaces, revealing their differing desires. Jecs clings to hope for parenthood through alternative means, while Billie has resigned herself to a childless future. An intense argument ensues, causing a rift between the couple. Francis and Gina, upon their return, sense the tension but choose to discreetly withdraw.
Subsequently, Billie and Jecs engage in a dialogue, wherein Billie confesses her distress over Jecs’ social media posts proclaiming Billie as the ideal wife. Deep-seated scars from her father’s emotional abuse resurface, making Billie doubt her worthiness and desirability. Billie, recalling her father’s hurtful words, expresses her self-doubt and pain, suggesting her father might have been right.
Tragedy Mends the Bond Between Jecs and Billie
The conversation calms down the tension momentarily between Jecs and Billie. However, Billie stumbles upon a video featuring Sunshine, hinting at Sunshine’s affair with a famous celebrity, leading her to suspect Jecs’ loyalty. Jecs, after a drunken conversation with Francis, reaffirms his love for Billie, counters her jealousy regarding Sunshine, and tells her that it’s all a hoax. The next day, Billie unexpectedly packs her bags and leaves Jecs behind, setting out on her own, leaving their relationship in turmoil. Billie embarks on the boat to the village but abruptly receives a call bearing somber news that Jecs’ mother has passed away. Her mind retraces to the previous night when she was in the midst of packing. Jecs’ mother had phoned him, yet he remained silent, drifting back to sleep, still wounded by their heated argument stemming from Jecs’ mother and her comments.
In this moment of grief and loss, Billie makes a swift decision to return to Jecs. Upon her arrival, Billie discovers Jecs, roused by an avalanche of calls and messages conveying the tragic news of his mother’s demise. In the end, Billie rushes to his side, offering solace and warmth as they navigate the weight of their shared sorrow. With their hearts heavy with regret, Billie and Jecs extend apologies to each other, understanding the futility of living apart. At the end of What If, they reconcile, realizing that their bond is too profound to sever. Jecs tentatively broaches the idea of returning to the way things were, to which Billie responds by welcoming him in a tight embrace, professing her enduring love for Jecs, and starting anew after forgiving each other for their past mistakes.
What If is available to stream on Netflix.
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