Nostalgic journey towards healing: Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto on reunion film

Metro Manila, Philippines —Timing is everything in the comeback film of Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, “Un/Happy For You.”

First, there was a sense of familiarity since the two worked together in at least four films before their much-talked-about split in 2019. Second, there’s a feeling of security now at this point in their lives. Garcia and Barretto have starred in a number of film and television projects.

Garcia and Barretto play the roles of exes “Zy” and “Juancho” in their up and coming film directed by Petersen Vargas. The trailer shows Garcia plotting revenge on Barretto but ends up blindsided since Barretto is about to get married.

“Tulad ng sinabi ko noong umpisa, kung babalik ako sa pelikula gusto ko kasama si Julia kasi siya rin kasama ko noong nagpe-pelikula ako,” said Garcia in an interview with NewsWatch Plus.

[Translation: I said this before, if I’d go back to the movies I want to do it with Julia since I was with her when I began doing films.]

Garcia admitted that he feels pressure leading in a film alone.

“Ayoko kasi noong ganong pressure, at least kapag dalawa tayong magkasama, dalawa tayong ma-pressure,” the actor said in jest.

[Translation: I don’t like that kind of pressure; at least if it’s the two of us, we will both feel pressured.]

For Barretto, the material was the turning point to accepting the project.

“Working with Josh again, working with Star Cinema again, and of course the material, we have a good script,” she said.

The former on and off-screen couple shared that both of them grew as actors after their split, and their personal history provided context on how they approached their characters in the film.

“Mas matured na yung approach namin sa lahat ng bagay. Kapag work, work na talaga, pag usap, usap, pag sabaw na tayo parang naglalaro na rin tayo,” said Garcia.

[Translation: We’re both more mature now in terms of our approach. We’re serious about work, but there are light moments and fun during our shoot.]

Asked what ‘JoshLia’ fans can expect from the film, Garcia said it’s nostalgia.

“Nostalgic, I’m sure they missed us so there's a nostalgic feeling when you watch the film,” he said.

“Maybe this movie can help you heal and be more compassionate about each other,” said Barretto.

“Un/Happy for You” premieres nationwide on Aug. 14.