In Guilty Pleasure, Lovi Poe returns to the big screen as Alexis Miranda, a fierce lawyer resolved to successfully negotiate the complex web of ambition, treachery, and self-redemption. Opening on Oct. 16, it is Lovi’s first big screen project under Regal Entertainment since The Annulment in 2019.
Alexis Miranda is no ordinary attorney. As the head of Miranda and Associates, she takes on the high-profile case of Zach Lopez, a man accused of rape, pitting her against Atticus, the country’s top law firm, and her former colleagues who represent the victim.
Yet, as Alexis faces the brutal realities of the case, the story takes a more personal turn—her own painful history resurfaces, particularly through her interactions with Adam Lucero, played by JM De Guzman. Adam, the man who once shattered her heart and nearly derailed her career, brings unresolved emotions crashing back into Alexis’ life.
The adventure of Alexis is enhanced by the character of Matthew Caliente, played by Jameson Blake. Matthew, a young attorney she formerly mentored, gets involved in her personal and professional problems, making her already difficult situation even more difficult. In addition to the ongoing legal dispute, Alexis is forced to face the wounds inflicted by the individuals she previously trusted.
The subtle portrayal by Lovi captures the complexity of Alexis’ character. Despite her success in her career, Lovi said that Alexis still battles the emotional damage caused by previous betrayals.
“There’s a certain vulnerability to Alexis, but she hides it behind her strength. She’s determined to regain control, not just in her career but in her personal life,” Lovi explained during an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is Alexis’ internal battle. A powerful line from the movie’s trailer encapsulates this struggle: “One day, we will cross paths, and I’ll be strong enough. I’ll be f**king strong enough to tell everybody.” This line sums up the heart of Guilty Pleasure—a story of a woman reclaiming her power, determined to rise above those who tried to break her.
Beyond the intense drama, Guilty Pleasure delves into themes of consent, ambition, and moral integrity. While Alexis works through the intricacies of her case, the movie explores the challenging decisions that women frequently have to make when trying to strike a balance between their personal pain and future career goals.
Keith Monteverde, Executive Vice President of Regal Entertainment, stressed how the movie explores choice as a means of empowerment.
“Guilty Pleasure delves deeply into the topic of saying ‘yes’ when it’s genuinely your decision. It’s an important skill to have,” Monteverde said.
For Lovi, this role is more than just another acting challenge. Guilty Pleasure is the first project under her own production company, C’est Lovi Productions. Her involvement behind the scenes allowed her to shape Alexis’ character with even more depth.
“I’ve always wanted to have more creative control, and producing this film gave me that opportunity,” she shared.
Partnering with Regal Entertainment for this project was particularly meaningful for Lovi, who first appeared in a Regal film over a decade ago. Talking about the experience, she said, “Regal has been part of my journey since the beginning, so it feels like coming full circle with Guilty Pleasure.”
Directed by Connie Macatuno, Guilty Pleasure hits cinemas nationwide on Oct. 16.
