Netflix’s 'One Hit Wonder' a throwback 90’s love story about big dreams

August 25 ------ Netflix is striking a nostalgic chord with “One Hit Wonder,” a new Filipino original movie that revives the songs, style, and spirit of the ’90s. The film stars Sue Ramirez, Khalil Ramos, Vivoree, Gladys Reyes, and Romnick Sarmenta.

The story follows two dreamers who once brushed against instant fame and now grapple with whether to take another shot at stardom or protect their hearts. At the center is Lorina (Sue Ramirez), a gifted singer who once shied away from the spotlight, and Entoy (Khalil Ramos), a believer who insists some melodies deserve a reprise. Their love story unfolds against a lovingly recreated ’90s soundscape: think Walkman days, mixtapes, landline telephones, and a soundtrack designed to make every batang 90s swoon.

Director Marla Ancheta rooted the film in music, revealing that the 90s hit Ako’y Sa’yo sparked the story’s emotional core. “It became a beautiful inspiration that aligned with the character’s journey,” Ancheta shared, noting how songwriter John Bunda’s own past fed into Lorina’s narrative. While the film isn’t Ancheta’s personal love story, she admits pieces of it are drawn from life: “Yung mga mixtape… core memory yan for me.”

Ramirez, like her character, has battled stage fright. “Surprisingly, I still get stage fright to this day. As in, bago ako sumampa sa stage, mahirap akong kausapin. Kasi parang magpapalpitate ako, parang gusto kong masuka. Umiikot yung tiyan ko talaga,” she recalled. Growing up, her own mother would often make her sing at family parties, an experience that made stages both familiar and intimidating. “Every time I see a stage, natatakot ako. I know exactly how Lorina feels.”

For Ramos, playing Entoy hit close to home. “I know what it feels like to be a one-hit wonder because I myself only had one song that really took off,” he admitted. Breaking into showbiz made him realize how difficult the climb could be. “My dream, like everyone else’s, is to become a famous artist, but ang hirap pala ng mundong ito. Yung tingin ko sa sarili ko, ang liit lang, because the industry is so big and there are so many possibilities.”

Vivoree, who plays Lyn-Lyn/Jo-C, also mirrored her role in real life. A Pinoy Big Brother alumna, she had to juggle school and showbiz, at one point putting her studies on hold. But she proudly shared that she eventually finished senior high school, a milestone that mattered as much as her career. “It’s hard to juggle work and then studies, but I was able to finish. The journey to stardom is difficult because it’s hard to keep up, there’s a lot of competition and always new talents on the rise.” She believes the film bridges generations: “For Gen Z, it connects the 90s to our era. Music lovers and romantics will really relate.”

Iconic 90s star Gladys Reyes, best known for her kontrabida roles, takes on a different character here as Tita Esther, Lyn-Lyn’s supportive mother. Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, she shared: “Before, there was no social media. Bonding on set was always face-to-face.” Reyes credits her longtime manager Lolit Solis for urging her to embrace villain roles early in her career but relishes the chance to play a stage mother this time, drawing inspiration from her real life as her son Christophe pursues music.

Beyond its love story and second-chance narrative, One Hit Wonder plays like a mixtape of cultural touchstones: 90s bands, reunions, and sing-along anthems. “The soundtrack will get you going,” Ramos promised. Ramirez hopes today’s audiences will enjoy the film alongside their parents. “We want that same nostalgic feeling to come across the screen. Follow your dreams; decide what matters most to you.” For Vivoree, the film offers 2000s babies a chance to discover what shaped OPM while millennials relive it all over again. Reyes, meanwhile, has a simple invitation for her fellow 90s crowd: “Ipapanood niyo po ito sa mga anak ninyo, siguradong magugustuhan nila.”

Source: news.abs-cbn.com