If you're looking for a rom-com or a romance drama film, this is not the one for you. Directed by Irene Villamor whose filmography starts from 'Camp Sawi' to 'Ulan' and 'Sid and Aya', she has proven herself to be a master of anti-rom-com films. 'On Vodka, Beers and Regrets' is a film about alocholism, although, with a little bit of romance here and there, it still won't be considered a romance film. Slow-paced, shallow and boring, the shining light of this film is critically acclaimed actress Bela Padilla who gave her greatest performance by far. Although, quite similar to the roles she played in '100 Tula Para kay Stella' and 'Meet Me in St. Gallen', what's different here is her ability to embody Jane, her character, a former child and teen star whose career is on the decline. The amount of depth she displayed is nothing like I've seen before from her. We can see Jane unravel and slowly tear down into pieces as she sips (or gulps) every glass of vodka and bottles of beer in her hand. JC Santos, as Francis, a sweet band vocalist who have a crush on Jane delivers one of his finest supporting roles. After being the lighter one in the 2019 remake of a Korean film 'Miracle in Cell No. 7', he became the light at the end of the tunnel once more. But the scene stealer here is Matteo Guidicelli who surprised the audience with his antagonistic character, rough, naughty and wicked, he has proven to be one of those supporting cast the steals the scene any moment they are on screen. Kean Cipriano, Rio Locsin and Jas Rodriguez also appears supporting roles.
But apart from the commendable performances from the actors and Pao Orendain's fine cinematography, the picture itself lacks in depth and details. There are scenes that are too long and too short, either makes you bored or hanging in the cliff and makes you say "is that it?" in contrast to Villamor's earlier films like the beautifully crafted 'Sid and Aya', 'On Vodka' is a shallow study on alocholism. If you want a film that tackles alcoholism deeper but also, with a little bit of romance, 2018's 'A Star is Born' is the one for you.
