Barbie Forteza puts acting range on full display in ‘Saving Cherry’

Barbie Forteza delivers one of the strongest reasons to watch Regal Entertainment’s “Saving Cherry,” a comedy-drama that gives the actress an opportunity to step into a wilder, bolder role.

Forteza plays Cherry, a woman navigating the aftermath of a cheating husband. It is her first time tackling a role that requires her to portray a virgin before marriage, and Forteza shows a noticeable range.

What makes her performance stand out is the nuance. Forteza does not simply play Cherry for laughs or drama. She finds the awkwardness, vulnerability and confusion in her character, allowing the emotions to be more grounded. Her ability to shift between comedic and dramatic scenes gives Cherry a personality beyond the usual heartbreak narrative.

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The film itself, however, does not offer many surprises. “Saving Cherry” follows familiar territory: a woman healing from an unfaithful husband, finding herself again and leaning on friends who remain by her side despite the ups and downs. Its themes of friendship and healing are relatable, but the story does not bring anything new to the audience.

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LOOK: The cast of “Saving Cherry” led by Barbie Forteza, Khalil Ramos, Mika Salamanca, AC Bonifacio, Mikee Quintos, Sassa Gurl, JC Alcantara, and Kokoy De Santos posed for photos during the film’s premiere night on Tuesday, Sept. 1, in Quezon City. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/7nrKrsmDoB

— Jessica Ann Evangelista (@JessEINQ) September 1, 2026

There are genuinely funny moments, particularly when Forteza and her co-stars are put in scenes of awkwardness, but sometimes the shift between comedy and drama occasionally prevents the humor from landing as effectively as intended.

Meanwhile, Mika Salamanca and the rest of the cast provide support to Forteza and help flesh out Cherry’s chaotic journey.

“Saving Cherry” is less memorable for its story, but Forteza’s nuanced portrayal gives the familiar material much-needed life, it is easy to understand why her performance earned praise from members of the press and fellow guest stars after the screening on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Forteza’s performance proves there’s more to her than her wholesome image that the local entertainment world was used to seeing. /ra