Is Almusal Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Almusal, a standout production of 2020, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Romance landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In the twilight of their young yet profound relationship, Jade, an emerging photographer, and Logan, a rookie chef, discover the most important meal of the day—and of their lives. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Romance are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In the twilight of their young yet profound relationship, Jade, an emerging photographer, and Logan, a rookie chef, discover the most important meal of the day—and of their lives. Written by two-time Palanca Award winner and Virgin Labfest regular Lino Balmes, with visuals crafted by award-winning filmmakers Joshua Reyles (Cinematography) and KL Carpio (Production and Costume Design), the short film trended worldwide on X (formerly Twitter) and became the most-watched short film during the pandemic."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Aeriel Garcia ensure that the emotional beats of Almusal always land with sufficient weight. Aeriel Garcia provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Raffy Miranda is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 12 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Almusal truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Romance, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Almusal explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Raffy Miranda respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Almusal serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Aeriel Garcia or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Almusal is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.