Cristine and Baron tackle the complexities of blended families

It is public knowledge that Cristine Reyes is only half-sister to Ara Mina, with whom she shares the same mother, while herself an empowered single mom to a nine-year-old girl. On the other hand, Baron Geisler is a proud stepfather to his wife’s two sons from a previous relationship, besides being a doting dad to their four-year-old daughter together.

With first-hand experiences of living in modern and unconventional families, it goes without saying that this pair of talented actors’ newest film, “Dearly Beloved,” which delves into the intricate dynamics of blended families, is one that bears much importance and meaning for them to bring to present-day audiences. For as failed marriages, remarriages and pregnancies out of wedlock are no longer considered shocking situations in society, Cristine and Baron believe their Viva Films offering can effectively help those like them in navigating such complex family structures.

Cristine Reyes and Baron Geisler, here with child actress Althea Ruedas, reunite in a very timely dramatic project.

In a highly anticipated reunion since they last appeared in the ABS-CBN series, “Eva Fonda,” Cristine and Baron star as Shel and Deo in “Dearly Beloved.” Both separated but still legally married, the two fall for each other after meeting at a bar and soon live together to start a happy home.

All seems well, and even strangers would think their family life is perfect, but things are far from being that way. Deo and Shel are living a blended family with all their children – Gelo (Deo and Shel’s son), Nathan (Shel’s son with her ex-husband), Trixie and Levi (Deo’s children with his ex-wife).

And despite the pair and their children being open to their complex setup, other people’s judgments and the standards of social norms soon affect them.

Showing both eagerness and sincerity in shedding light on the challenges faced by many like them in blended families, the lead actors dove into a compelling discussion on what — in this case — they believe Deo and Shel need to do to stay together.

Baron emphasizes the importance of unwavering effort and unconditional love in such situations. He shared, “From my experience being part of a blended family, it took a lot of effort to be a stepdad. When I courted their mother, I courted them, too. When you show them how much you love their mother, that’s when you gain the children’s respect.”

Cristine echoed Baron’s sentiments and emphasized the weightiness of the film’s theme. “Watch and learn from the story of ‘Dearly Beloved.’ It’s heavy because it reflects the reality of many families in similar situations.”

She admitted, “My initial thought about the idea of a blended family was [the sitcom] ‘Modern Family,’ which I used to watch. But it’s a comedy, so they make it light. Here in ‘Dearly Beloved,’ the approach is different, and audiences will come to see that it takes a lot of compassion to understand the characters’ relationship, their relationship with their children, and their relationship with stepkids. It also takes a lot of maturity to handle this kind of family situation because when you think about it, there are already many responsibilities in an ideal family. In a blended family, it’s double.”

When asked what they hope the film will impart as a whole, both actors point to the need for more understanding in society so that people can have second chances at love and a happy family life.

Meanwhile, curious about the title “Dearly Beloved,” The Manila Times Entertainment received an enlightening explanation from the movie’s director and co-writer, Marla Ancheta (known for the critically acclaimed “Doll House,” which also starred Baron).

She said, “The words ‘dearly beloved’ are what we usually hear at the beginning of weddings, so [our writing team] thought to use that as the title of the movie as an irony. How people in love so want to get married and hear those words at their weddings only to find out how difficult it is to be married.”

“Dearly Beloved” also stars Phoebe Walker as Rhoan (Deo’s ex-wife), JC Tiuseco as Keith (Shel’s ex-husband), and young actors Althea Ruedas, Robbie Wachtel, Tyro Daylusan, and Charles Law portraying Deo and Shel’s children. Other cast members include Ivan Padilla, Rey PJ Abellana, Marissa Sanchez, Ana Luna, Erica Ladiza, Guji Lorenzana, and Nicco Manalo. It opens in cinemas nationwide on Black Saturday, March 30.