Movie Review: Only We Know

Only We Know is a quietly affecting Filipino romance that finds beauty in companionship, grief, and the spaces in between love and friendship. The film follows Betty (Charo Santos), a lonely retired professor, and Ryan (Dingdong Dantes), a widowed engineer in his 40s, whose chance meeting leads to a deep, unexpected bond. What begins as a platonic connection—rooted in shared loss and solitude—gradually evolves into something more intimate and emotionally resonant, challenging societal expectations and traditional labels of romance.

At its core, Only We Know lives by its own truth: “The most romantic relationship is friendship.” This idea becomes the film’s emotional anchor, allowing its story to unfold with restraint and sincerity rather than grand gestures. The surprising yet undeniable chemistry between Dingdong Dantes and Charo Santos makes the relationship feel natural and believable, proving that romance is not defined by age or convention, but by genuine connection.

Watching the film feels like reading a beautifully written novel. The dialogue is poetic, thoughtful, and layered, inviting the audience to listen closely and sit with each moment. There is a literary quality to the storytelling—simple, patient, and quietly compelling—that makes you eager to see where the next conversation will lead. Only We Know is understated yet powerful, a gentle meditation on romance, healing, and the profound comfort of finding someone who truly understands.

My Verdict: 4/5