Ella, Louise talk about their screen smooch

Louise Abuel and Ella Cruz

The coming-of-age movie by Viva, “Edward,” is heartwarming and heart-wrenching in equal parts. It’s partly about young love in the time of tuberculosis. The film also shows the shabby state of public hospitals, and how a teenage boy turns a hospital into his playground.

Its lead stars, Ella Cruz and Louise Abuel, nailed it. They could pass for a younger version of “KathNiel.” In fact, Louise has a striking resemblance to Daniel Padilla.

For her part, Ella stepped out of her comfort zone to portray Agnes, a feisty and blunt street kid. It made her win the best supporting actress award in Cinemalaya this year.

We, at the Cinema Evaluation Board, gave “Edward” a grade of A. We even clapped when the film ended. It’s so real that we could almost smell the hot, stifling hospital, where the film was shot.

It is directed and cowritten by Thop Nazareno. What a painfully beautiful masterpiece, indeed.

Here’s my chat with Ella (E) and Louise (L):

How has your award impacted you?

E: The award serves as an affirmation of my love for my craft. It makes all my years in show biz worthwhile. It inspires and challenges me to keep reinventing myself on and off-cam.

How did you get rid of your hesitation to portray Agnes?

E: The full support of Boss Vic egged me on. His belief in my capability made me believe in myself even more.

What makes your tandem with Louise work in the movie?

E: We’ve worked together in 2012, so we already have built an “ate/baby boy” relationship. We are familiar and comfy with each other, so our scenes came out natural.

What was your boyfriend Julian Trono’s reaction to your “tender” scenes with Louise?

E: He asked me if I was willing to do it. When I told him that I was game, he assured me of his support.

What are your realizations after doing the movie?

E: It makes me want to do more indie films. Even if the  budget is limited, the dedication and passion of the cast and crew are unlimited.

L: To treasure every moment with our loved ones because when they’re gone, there’s nothing we can do to bring them back.

In what ways can you relate to your role as Edward?

L: We are both 15 years old, so we are in that stage of being curious and wanting to explore. Like him, I have a jolly personality, and I’m playful.

What did it feel like experiencing your first kiss ever, and how did Ella help you feel at ease during the scene?

L: I was so nervous. I could not have done it if it wasn’t Ate Ella I was going to kiss. Since we already worked together in “Aryana,” I’m relaxed doing scenes with her. She guided me every step of the way. Ganun pala ang feeling ng first  kiss (laughs).

Since you started in show biz at a young age, don’t you feel like you missed out on the pleasures of a “normal childhood”?

L: Not at all. I went to school like other kids, so my world wasn’t limited to show biz. I enjoyed playing basketball with my friends. I grew up like a regular kid.

When you are already of legal age, what are some of the “crazy things” you would want to do?

L: I want to travel alone and climb Mt. Everest.

PERSONAL: Thanks from the bottom of my heart to my migo Boy So, who’s Santa Claus personified, and my miga, Love Apelado, for such an awesome birthday treat at my home away from home, La Carmela de Boracay.