Sue Ramirez and Diego Loyzaga reunite in In Between, a film that examines relationships that fall into the undefined, the ones without labels. Directed by Gino M. Santos, the film captures a type of connection that’s increasingly common — something more than friendship, but not quite a traditional love story.
Their earlier collaboration, How to Love Mr. Heartless (2022), featured them as university students dealing with the early stages of love. This time, they take on characters in their late 20s and early 30s, both shaped by heartbreak and uncertain about what commitment looks like today.
Gaila (Sue) is a creative freelancer who keeps love at arm’s length, while Shayne (Diego) is a bartender hoping to find someone lasting, even as he compares women to different types of alcohol.
The story focuses on a connection that doesn’t fit into neat categories. Gaila and Shayne become each other’s in-between — not quite a couple, but not strangers either. Their bond grows out of shared moments and unspoken understanding, which mirrors a reality many face in a time when long-term commitment doesn’t always come easily.
A standout element of the film is its use of an intimacy coordinator, a first for both actors. Though there’s no nudity, the scenes required emotional exposure and trust. The result is a portrayal of intimacy that feels grounded and respectful — a sign that Philippine cinema is becoming more thoughtful about how these moments are handled onscreen.
Gaila teaches Shayne to loosen up and approach dating without pressure. Shayne, in turn, helps Gaila consider the possibility of something more stable. Neither character enters the story looking for change, but through their connection, small shifts begin to happen. It’s a quiet evolution rather than a grand transformation.
The director gave the actors space to contribute to the shaping of their scenes. The most engaging moments come from this freedom — the ones built on casual conversation, shared silence, and emotional honesty rather than dramatic turns.
“I gave them freedom to shape their scenes. I told them, ‘You’re grown now.’ One of their strongest scenes was the intimate one — they had a hand in shaping it,” the director said.
The strength of Sue and Diego’s performances lies in their familiarity with each other. Sue has said she feels safe working with Diego, and their comfort translates onscreen. Diego, for his part, acknowledged the challenge of portraying a relationship that doesn’t follow a clear path — something many viewers can relate to.
Just when Gaila and Shayne begin to settle into their dynamic, a complication arrives in the form of Shayne’s past love. This moment doesn’t aim to offer tidy answers but instead raises a question: was their time together just a passing phase, or could it have been something more?
In Between captures a phase in life where many are still searching for meaning, for love, or simply for someone to share the moment with. The film doesn’t push its characters toward resolution. It lets them linger in uncertainty, and in doing so, reflects how relationships are often lived today.
Produced by Viva Films, In Between is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
