The Cheating Game delves into the contrasting reactions of two individuals when faced with betrayal. It’s a romantic drama that analyzes the intricate dynamics people engage in after experiencing infidelity, offering a mature, relatable, and authentic perspective on modern-day dating.
The plot revolves around Hope (Julie Anne San Jose), an idealistic young professional who believes she can change the world and knows it all. Her world shatters when a sex video of her fiancé with another woman comes to light.
Heartbroken and disillusioned, she leaves her engagement, the NGO they co-founded, and the life she once cherished. Starting anew as a content producer at a company that has a hidden troll factory, she resolves to protect herself from future heartbreaks by creating a ‘cheat sheet’ that analyzes the ‘anatomy of a cheater,’ using it as her guide in the world of dating.
Enter Miguel (Rayver Cruz), a self-made businessman who seems like the ideal partner, displaying all the right qualities. Hope thinks she has found the perfect man, but as their relationship deepens, long-concealed secrets begin to emerge.
Julie Anne and Rayver, lovingly known to their fans as ‘JulieVer,’ are thrilled that their first movie is hitting the big screen.
“We started shooting it before the pandemic, we shot some scenes in the province, and then we resumed filming this year. It still feels surreal because time has passed so quickly,” shares Julie. “I’m very excited and grateful. There’s a new family, a new set of characters, new people to work with, and a great production team. Everyone is so nice and accommodating. We had a healthy working environment.”
She adds that she welcomes the thought of working with Rayver again but this time around, for a movie.
Rayver echoes Julie’s sentiments. He expresses genuine enthusiasm as the public will soon get to witness the result of their hard work in the film. Rayver takes immense pride in the movie, particularly because it marks his first collaborative project with Julie.
“I’m very thankful and blessed to work with Julie and be part of this project,” he says.
“I enjoyed making the movie because doing it was a learning experience for me, to become aware of how to handle being cheated. All of us, at some point, become blinded when we fall in love,” Rayver adds.
Set to spice up the plot is a mix of young and veteran cast that includes Martin Del Rosario as Brian Villogo; Winwyn Marquez as Vanessa; Yayo Aguila as Faith Celestial; Candy Pangilinan as Tita Gelly; Phi Palmos as Joi Celestial; Thea Tolentino as Natalie; and Paolo Contis as Mister Y.
The film also features Charm Aranton, Jose Sarasola, Charlize Ruth Reyes, Rocelyn Ordoñez, Aaron Maniego, Andrea So, Ida Sabido, Evan Tan, Roi Oriondo, Bernadette Anne Morales, Felds Cabagting, and Iman Manoguid.
The Cheating Game, from GMA Public Affairs, unspools in cinemas on July 26.