Netflix continues its streak of compelling original content with “Lolo and the Kid,” a touching family drama starring veteran actor Joel Torre and 11-year-old rising star Euwenn Mikael.
This film, which tells the story of a conman and the young boy he takes under his wing, delves into themes of love, survival, and the unbreakable bonds that form between unlikely companions.
In a roundtable interview, Mikael — who captivated audiences with his stellar performance in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Firefly,” earning the festival's Best Child Performer and Best Child Actor at the FAMAS Awards for his portrayal of Tonton — shared insights he gained from working with Torre.
“You always have to be happy. He's funny in real life. He can make anyone laugh. But when he's acting seriously, especially when the scene requires it, you'll really feel the sadness. I do the same,” Mikael shared.
Torre, on the other hand, acknowledged Mikael's professionalism and natural talent.
“You have to come to the set prepared. It's fascinating that Euwenn, at his age, is very professional. He knows the demands of the job. He's very remarkable at his age; he can deliver,” Torre said.
“We're professional actors, so we prepare for the scenes. I admire him because Euwenn is young, but he knows what he's doing, he knows the scenes, he knows the demands of the scene, the obligations of the scene. So in other words, we didn't have a hard time because we came prepared like any professional actors. When you're on the set, you have to come and be prepared,” he continued.
Torre further praised Mikael and reflected how he sees himself in the young actor.
“Of course, the challenge is if you can live in that moment, and I think we delivered on that. We have great rapport. I see myself in him because I started as a young actor doing theater at the age of 7. So I see myself in him. I started in the '50s. He's a gifted child,” Torre mentioned.
When asked about the dynamic between their characters, both actors highlighted the theme of love.
“Very simple but true, it's the relationship, love. Euwenn explained it best. When you love someone, you love them, and it shows onscreen. You cannot fake or act it. It has to come from a real place,” Torre elaborated.
“People can relate to this film. People have families. So for me, the universal theme is that it is a family movie. You will feel it. We're not dealing with a tearjerker, we're dealing with the love for each other,” Torre noted.
“When people watch this and don't understand it, maybe they don't have love inside them,” Mikael added.
Apart from Mikael and Torre, “Lolo and the Kid” also stars JK Labajo, Iza Calzado, Meryll Soriano, Joem Bascon, Nico Antonio, Markki Stroem, Shaina Magdayao, and Alfred Vargas.
Directed by Benedict Mique, it premieres globally today, August 7 only on Netflix.
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