THE LAST BEERGIN (2025) Review
Directed by Nuel Naval
The challenge in making a film that is set within 24 hours is to keep the audience engaged from start to finish through just the conversations, and that’s what Nuel Naval’s ‘The Last Beergin’ did. Having a good script and great actors, it was probably easy for Nuval to direct the film.
They say it’s easier to confess to a stranger than to someone you have known. Five individuals intertwined and decided to share a pitcher of alcoholic drink for one whole night. What makes the story interesting is that these five characters are completely different from each other but they are all going through something in their lives. What made the film engaging is that the issues weren’t laid out instantly; there’s a buildup, fleshing out the characters slowly but surely, like how a drinking session in the Philippines would be – you start with small talk, participants will at first be shy to share something personal, and as the drinking session progresses, there’s some sort of comfortability disclosing personal stuff.
It’s a simple film but it fleshes out its characters in an entertaining but also personal way; you feel as though you’re part of the group. Kudos to JC Santos, Pepe Herrera, Xyriel Manabat, Zaijian Jaranilla and Ms. Cherry Pie Picache for giving the audience a sincere and relatable portrayal of their characters. You laugh, cry and most of all, sympathize with these characters when the end credits start rolling. And that’s of the beautiful things that cinema can do – understanding others through characters in a film.
The Last Beergin is a must-watch because of its topics. I was caught off guard with Pepe’s character being the strong-willed “leader” of the group but he breaks down as soon as he becomes comfortable with everyone. Cherry Pie is the mother figure of the group, who’s too busy to attend to her personal problems but has the time to attend to other people’s problems. JC Santos’ mysterious character balances the group; you know he’s also going through something but he decides that by helping others, he may get the answers he needs. Xyriel Manabat may have the shallowest problem in the group but the film helps us understand how people handle problems differently. And lastly, Zaijian is that coming-of-age guy who’s torn between love and purpose.
The film helps us understand how we process problems differently. But ultimately, if the weight of the problem is too much already, there’s no shame in seeking help and leaning on others.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘The Last Beergin’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide from CineKo Productions and ObraCinema. Rated PG by the MTRCB.