This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 150! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE. Hey everyone!
Hey everyone,
This is a review that’s like, totally unexpected! We’re diving into the world of Filipino BL (that’s Boys’ Love, for the uninitiated) with “The Boy Foretold by the Stars” (2020). This film by Dolly Dulu is equal parts cute love story and quirky sci-fi adventure, and let me tell you, it’s a delightful combo! Think “Starship Troopers” meets John Hughes, but set in a Catholic school – yep, it’s about as wild as it sounds .
The story centers around Dominic, a flamboyant and openly gay student at St. Francis, an exclusive boys’ school. Feeling a bit lost and lovelorn, he seeks guidance from a fortune teller named Baby R (played by the hilarious Iyah Mina). Baby R drops a major truth bomb on Dominic: he’s gonna meet his soulmate within a week! Naturally, Dominic is buzzing with excitement, armed with three cryptic clues to help him identify his cosmic match.
Enter Luke (Keann Johnson), the school’s star basketball player with a brooding heart (think James Dean, but with a better jump shot). Luke’s recently out of a relationship, so when a school retreat called “Journey with the Lord” comes around, he figures it’s the perfect escape. Little does he know, destiny (or maybe a meddling psychic) has other plans.
Dominic, being one of the retreat organizers, ends up crossing paths with Luke. Sparks fly, friendships blossom, and before you can say “Hail Mary, full of grace,” these two boys are entangled in a whirlwind romance. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Remember the Catholic school setting? Yeah, there’s some internal wrestling with societal expectations and religious beliefs. The film tackles these issues with surprising nuance, avoiding cheesy preachiness and offering a relatable portrayal of young love finding its way.
You know, I’ve always been a sucker for the whole “written in the stars” narrative, but this film brings something new to the table. It’s not just about finding love; it’s about discovering yourself along the way. And honestly, isn’t that just the most beautiful journey of all?
As for the actors, Adrian Lindayag absolutely shines as Dominic. He brings a delightful energy and vulnerability to the character, making you root for him from the start. Keann Johnson is equally charming as Luke, portraying his internal conflict with a quiet intensity. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their scenes together are full of heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud humor.
These characters really got to me — Dominic and Luke are as real as they come – flawed, searching, and utterly endearing. Their journey was as unpredictable as it was touching. It’s a reminder that love, in all its forms, is a force to be reckoned with.
As for the feels, well, let’s just say the movie had its moments. It’s got laughs, it’s got sighs, and yes, it’s got those “who’s cutting onions?” moments. But beyond the feels, it’s the message that stuck with me – the idea that love transcends boundaries, and that destiny, while a powerful guide, isn’t the end-all-be-all. It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself, to fight for what you believe in, and to always, always follow your heart.
Sure, the special effects are a bit low-budget (think early 2000s sci-fi channel vibes), but the heart of the film more than makes up for it. “The Boy Foretold by the Stars” is a sweet, funny, and surprisingly thought-provoking exploration of first love, self-discovery, and the courage to be yourself, even in the face of societal pressures.
So, if you’re looking for a feel-good film with a unique twist, “The Boy Foretold by the Stars” is definitely worth checking out. It’ll make you laugh, it might make you cry (happy tears, of course!), and it’ll definitely leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling. Thanks for reading, and remember, gotta find your own soulmate, destiny or not!
Peace out ✌️
Roger