Lolo and the Kid on Netflix: Is it worth watching?

Lolo and the Kid is a recently released Filipino movie on Netflix. The film premiered on the streaming service on August 7, 2024, adding to an impressive list of Filipino films like Ordinary People, Born Beautiful, and A Family Affair among others.

A family drama at heart, Lolo and the Kid does not have a very conventional premise or a conventional family at the center of the plot. The movie directed by Benedict Mique (known for ML, Monday First Screening, and Wild Little Love) takes viewers through an emotional rollercoaster as it unravels the relationship between the protagonists.

Lolo and the Kid follows a grandfather named Lolo (Joel Torre) and his grandson named Kid (Euwenn Mikael Aleta). As the logline of the movie suggests, the two are expert conmen who go around hustling the wealthy to make a living for themselves. The Filipino movie has a very simple premise but it is packed with enough emotions to evoke a few tears by the end of its one hour and thirty minutes runtime.

The movie is a worthwhile watch for viewers looking to expand their horizons towards non-English drama movies. It might not have an award-winning execution, but the two protagonists make the film a heartfelt watch.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author.

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Prepare for an emotional journey with two partners in crime, with Lolo and the Kid on Netflix

The two protagonists of the film are introduced in the first scene of the movie where an old man named Lolo sits outside the house of a wealthy person with his young grandkid, named Kid. It is made clear within the first part of the movie that the two of them are experts at conning wealthy people and that is how the two of them make their living.

The two of them go around trying to gather sympathy from wealthy people, making use of the pitiful condition of Kid, usually ending up with a wealthy family willing to adopt the child. A heartbreaking departure follows, throwing viewers off track. However, it is revealed that it is all part of Grandpa Lolo and Kid's plan, as they rob the wealthy houses and escape the vicinity.

Although Lolo and the Kid has a straightforward storyline for most of the movie, it goes above and beyond to evoke strong feelings by the conclusion. The movie shines due to the outstanding performances by Euwenn Aleta and Joel Torre. Their energy emanating from grandfather and grandson creates a strong chemistry that carries a simple yet effective plot.

A still from the movie (image via Netflix)

The two are co-conspirators whose affection is palpable. The veteran actor and the young performer highlight a deeper quality in their partnership. The ability of the movie to seamlessly transition from small but heavy emotional moments to moments of unabashed fun where the two are enjoying karaoke is its best quality. Joel Torre, as predicted, delivers another outstanding performance as Grandfather Lolo.

However, it is Euwenn Aleta, as Kid, who steals the show with a nuanced and assured performance, generally expected from a more seasoned actor. The short but effective role of Juan Karlos as an older version of Kid is one of the most emotional moments in the movie.

Without providing spoilers to the movie, the core message by the conclusion is a simple one; 'If you love someone, set them free'. A turning point in the film arrives when Lolo is tasked with a heavy decision at hand, where he may have to part with his beloved grandson for the sake of a better future for the child. Lolo and the Kid might make viewers remember their grandparents fondly, as the bond between them reigns supreme throughout the movie.

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Lolo and the Kid is currently available for streaming on Netflix.