'Lolo And The Kid' Movie Review: It's Not For The Faint Of Heart

Trigger warning: This spoiler-free article discusses sensitive themes such as death.

Since the movie Lolo And The Kid dropped on Netflix on August 7, netizens have been sharing their reaction videos. Here's the only spoiler in this article: the majority of them are crying. 

I watched the movie at my own pace, and at first I thought it was a film with great actors and a simple plot— a grandfather and grandson duo doing something almost unthinkable to survive. But when I put on my hat as a parent and an editor of Smart Parenting, I realized the movie is more than just a tear-jerker. It touches on different issues that we, parents, need to talk about more.

Smart Parenting Review: Lolo And The Kid 

At face value, the movie, written and directed by Benedict Mique, will make you cry as you witness the unconditional love of a grandparent for a child. However, I believe it has also successfully touched on parenting topics that deserve more attention.

1. It delves into the plight of couples who are trying to conceive.

The first few scenes introduce you to four important characters: a middle-class couple, Gemma (Meryll Soriano) and Allan (Joem Bascon), who are often told they are "very lucky" to be childless, and a homeless duo of Lolo (Joel Torre) and Kid (Euwenn Mikaell Aleta), who, despite their situation, seem to enjoy life.

When the couple decides to welcome Lolo and Kid into their lives, it's a heart-tugging moment that portrays how some couples who are trying to conceive come to terms with not being blessed with a child and they are willing to adopt, vowing to give that child the best life possible. 

Nevertheless, we are reminded that no one—not even parents overwhelmed by responsibilities—has the right to make careless comments to couples experiencing infertility struggles.

2. It tackles the importance of adoption.

The film also follows Sandra (Iza Calzado), who chooses to stay single due to the trauma that has befallen her family. Like the first couple, she expressed her willingness to adopt Kid and send him to school. Sandra reveals that she was orphaned at an early age and was fortunate to be adopted by parents whom she credits for the good life.

While some people sees adoption as a last resort for building a family, it shouldn't be the case. As an adoption advocate and Smart Parenting Board of Experts member Chrina Cuna-Henson puts it, "There are so many ways that God builds families, biologically and sometimes through adoption, just as He does with marriage, and we’ll celebrate all of them. And not one is more valuable or more precious than the other."

Later in the movie, Lolo and Kid meet another couple who express their willingness to adopt the boy because of their unconventional set-up, but they are more than capable of providing for the child's needs.

3. It touches on the grief of parents who have lost their children.

A recent Esquire article expounded on the grief that parents who have lost a child experience, and the movie also touches on this sensitive topic. The couple, played by Alfred Vargas and Shaina Magdayao, vows to treat Kid not as a replacement for their deceased child but as their own. 

4. It reminds us that the love of a family is not only bound by birth.

How Lolo and Kid are related, and how the people they met along their journey, will make you realize that parenting is not only for children and their biological parents. Nor is it bound by age, as parenting is more than just raising a child. It entails small and big decisions made every day, sacrifices that are life-changing, and love that transcends familial relations. 

Although the movie has a rating of 16+ on Netflix for language and mature themes, I highly recommend that parents watch this movie with the whole family—of course with supervision if with young kids. Expect that the last few scenes to be emotional, and believe us when we say that this movie is not for the faint-hearted.

Lolo And The Kid: What other parents say

I asked members of the Smart Parenting Squad for their insights on the movie, and they highlighted how the story of Lolo and Kid reminds them of the unique and special love that grandparents have.

Mommy Christine Gregorio was one of those who shared a reaction video on social media and said that the movie somehow reflects how her parents treat her daughter.

"The amount of love they poured onto my daughter is more than 10 times pa sa kung ano yung nabigay nila sakin. Na kahit hindi naman kami nanghihingi pero they always provide not just material things pero yung presence nila," she shared.

Mom of two Rolly Sagun, meanwhile, shared that her kids, age 11 and 7, cried while watching the movie. 

She shared, "Akala ko hanggang cartoons and animated [movies] lang sila, but this one will leave a mark, especially on kids who have a good relationship with their lolo. The final scenes were brilliant, too."

Final note: After watching the movie, the song Through The Years by Kenny Rogers will hit different. 

Watch the trailer of 'Lolo And The Kid' here:

If you are looking for a Netflix series to watch with your kids, I recommend Pulang Araw. Read my review here.