The fight for representation is something that we all share, but for persons with disabilities (PWDs), the stakes are higher. We all deserve to be represented and recognized on the big screen, and that’s something that I’mPerfect does for persons with Down syndrome (DS), imbuing them with a sense of autonomy that is a much-needed reprieve from how mainstream media portrays their condition.
As the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival is in full swing, let’s take a look at how I’mPerfect changes the game as a film about people with DS living their lives. Here is SEA Wave’s High Five review for I’mPerfect. Minor spoilers ahead, so beware.
A Simple Story Done Right
Still from Nathan Studios
The story is simple, beginning with a meet cute between Jessica (Krystel Go) and Jiro (Earl Amaba). Jessica is a 28-year-old woman with DS who lives with her mother (Sylvia Sanchez), yet is independent—she works as a waitress, joins beauty pageants, and commutes by herself. Meanwhile, Jiro (Amaba) is a 29-year-old man with the same condition. He comes from a homeschooling background, which adds to the alienation he experiences in everyday life, making him shy and socially awkward.
The film has all the trappings of a romance: the couple meeting, falling in love, and spending the rest of their lives together. While romance movies have been done to death, the film feels very personal and relatable, having an undeniable charm that makes you root for the protagonists all throughout the story.
A Refreshing Portrayal of Down Syndrome
Still from Nathan Studios
Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, I’mPerfect offers an authentic portrayal of DS. It stars Krystel Go and Earl Amaba—two individuals with DS themselves—making it a credible and incredibly moving experience to watch on screen.
The story captures the struggles of people with DS, and their families who root for their happiness. And while it is a heartwarming film, it doesn’t sugarcoat or tone down the real challenges that come with the condition. Without delving too much into the specifics, the film manages to showcase the stories of Jessica and Jiro, and their families, all in an eye-opening package that invites viewers to learn more about DS.
Educational and Inspirational
Still from Nathan Studios
I’mPerfect challenges existing stereotypes that the general public may have about persons with DS. One of the key themes it portrays is one of autonomy—people with DS can be independent, can think for themselves, and can participate in society. While people with DS are indeed more vulnerable to being taken advantage of, being overprotective and infantilizing people who live with the condition will only hurt them in the long run.
Breakout Performances
Stills from Nathan Studios
Both Krystel Go and Earl Amaba are relative unknowns in the industry, but they deliver standout performances that hold their own with Philippine cinema veterans. Go is definitely one to watch, with her expressiveness and effortless charms, while Amaba complements her to a tee, making for a performance that will make viewers fall in love.
The supporting cast of acting powerhouses helps elevate the film, with Janice De Belen as Jiro’s yaya, Lorna Tolentino and Tonton Gutierrez as Jiro’s parents struggling with letting go, Sylvia Sanchez as Jessica’s supportive mom, and Zaijan Jaranilla as Jiro’s younger brother who is always on his side.
A Controversial Ending
Still from Nathan Studios
While the emotional buildup and the characters are the film’s strong elements, the ending left much to be desired. Without spoiling much, the ending may be a hit or a miss depending on how you take it in. It’s definitely aiming for a realistic approach with its conclusion, but the sudden finish took a turn for the depressing and is not something that audiences will most likely expect given the optimistic first half of the story.
Despite this controversial decision, the rest of the film solidly delivers a strong love story around persons with Down syndrome—showing the challenges that they face, the concerns of the people around them, and how they can live their lives as part of society—facing each other earnestly, with love, grace and hope.
SEA Wave rates I’mPerfect 3.5 out of 5 waves. Watch this heartwarming story in cinemas and let us know what you think about it in the comments.