A father-daughter drama starring Baron Geisler, Doll House becomes the most-watched movie on Netflix Philippines as it continues to capture and break the hearts of many Filipinos.
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When’s the last time a movie made you cry? Well, a new film on Netflix has been making Pinoys bawl their eyes out and leaving them heartbroken. It’s Doll House, a Filipino father-daughter drama that stars Baron Geisler and child actor Althea Ruedas. Set in the Netherlands, Doll House follows the story of a troubled rock musician Rustin (Geisler) as he sets out on a journey to reconnect with his long-lost daughter, Yumi (Ruedas).
“It’s a heartwarming film. People will realize how important family is. It’s about having that unconditional love, trying to find yourself, and how being selfless leads to something magical and unexpected moments. And it’s about forgiveness, of course,” Baron shares with the press in a roundtable discussion. And yes, it truly has captured a lot of hearts as it has been at the top of the Netflix Philippines since October 9.
“The FILIPINO AUDIENCE has spoken again and again and again!” Mavx Productions, who worked on the film, says in a Facebook post celebrating the film’s success. “Taos puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng nanood ng aming pelikula, the FILIPINO AUDIENCE is worth risking and you fuel our passion! You are the best audience in the world!”
Not only has the film been a hit in the country, it has also been a part of the Netlix Top 10 charts in countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Malta, Qatar, and the UAE. “We did it Yumi!! Di ka man pumasa sa audition, pumasa naman tayo sa puso ng mga kababayan natin worldwide,” the 40-year-old lead actor’s joyful post says. “Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat at dahil po sainyo ay nag #1 po kami sa Netflix at nag trending pa ang #DOLLHOUSE To God be the glory, honor and praise!!”
BARON’S SECOND WIND
Doll House is Baron’s comeback to the screen as a lead role. We have previously seen his acting range and prowess in Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (where he won a FAMAS for Best Supporting Actor), Brillante Mendoza’s Ma Rosa, Francis Xavier’s Jay, and recently in FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano.
“I don’t know if you could call it a comeback but I’d say this is a breakthrough, a second wind for me, in my career. I’m very grateful and hopefully I get to keep moving forward and doing better projects like this and maintain it, maintain my sobriety,” shares Baron who has battled with depression, alcoholism and substance abuse before. In a Facebook comment, he even thanks the drug rehabilitation facility that has helped him in his journey through recovery.
Now happily married to his wife, Jamie Evangelista, and with a daughter, Talitha, Baron has had ups and downs quite similar to his character in the movie, something he is aware of. “I can identify with my character and I was able to use that in the story and character, in terms of mga hugot, especially because I also have a daughter,” he points out. “So, whenever I look into her (Althea’s) eyes, I’m looking at Talitha, my baby girl. Every time I message her or may post, I call her ‘anak.’ Simula nung nag-start ang film, we never stopped communicating. We became like a real father and daughter. So, whatever bonding we had in the Netherlands, hindi nawala.”
Baron was handpicked by the film’s producers for the role. Director Marla Mancheta, who previously worked on the Sue Ramirez-starring Finding Agnes and Janine Gutierrez-led Ikaw, affirms this choice by saying that her only worry about Baron’s casting is that it might be too full of hugot. “Ang naisip ko nga baka masyadong malapit kay Baron (‘yung character) pero sige, mas maganda ‘yun, mas may hugot,” the director shares.
And it proves to be the best decision ever as Baron’s performance has particularly gained praise from the audience. A netizen warns people to not forget their tissues as the story and Baron’s “superb performance” will surely make them weep hard.
Other Twitter users celebrate Baron’s return, even dubbing it as the “baron geisler renaissance,” and hails the film as a “masterpiece.”
“Baron, 10 years ago, was very immature and very irresponsible,” he recalls. “But now that I’ve been living in Cebu, I’ve been connecting with the right people and a lot has changed. I’m just taking my family and being a father seriously. I want the best for them, that’s why I’m praying also for the best projects ang dumating from the future.”
Are you in need of a good cry at the moment? Doll House is now streaming on Netflix. Oh, and don’t forget a box of tissues!
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