It’s interesting to note that despite this having sporadic action scenes and being Saulnier’s least violent film to date, ‘Rebel Ridge’ remains a gripping thriller where the threats of violence had as much nail-biting tension as its eruption.

‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ breezes through the usual tricks and charms of its talents. Nevertheless, seeing Tim Burton corral some career-rejuvenating fun in the age of belated sequel-itis still has its rewards.

‘Talahib,’ just like this film, is a blade of grass in a barren wasteland; it’s there, it exists, but it has no value.

Her Locket is nothing short of an effective family drama. Its message is universal, reminding us that our loved ones are all we have at the end of the day. #SinagMaynila2024

Brocka X Bernal is a love letter to the titular two legends of Philippine cinema, from the stars who loved them and for the generations after who might need a reintroduction.

Indonesian filmmaker Edwin concocts an atmospheric and absorbing crime thriller that invites us to investigate the bewildering and grisly details beyond the machinations of the plot.

‘The Hearing’ builds upon the easy ironies and parallels of its premise to create an immersive legal drama that prioritizes victims of abuse and sexual assault above everything else.

‘Alien: Romulus’ features the love and care of everyone involved in not only continuing the franchise but also adding a thrilling experience that pushes the narrative that films are still best experienced on the big screen.

‘Asog’ is a transgressive docudrama that defiantly stands up in resistance against the powerful forces of oppression that dominate Filipino society. It’s a reminder of the importance of solidarity and resilience in the face of human tragedy.

 ‘An Errand’ is not constructed kindly. It chooses to luxuriate in a loose and unbounded form with polarizing results... It is the type of film more appropriately found in the MUBI catalog, because it isn't the friendliest for most moviegoers.

 The Wedding Dance might not be the best Cinemalaya film this year, but its attempt to dissect patriarchy through the lens of marriage in the Kalinga community makes it worth watching.

‘Lolo and the Kid’ is a love letter to parents and grandparents who want to give what’s best for their children and grandchildren, while recognizing the fact that determining what’s truly best is an entirely separate journey.

‘Balota’ is a story that packs in hard-hitting action, compelling drama, and witty comedy. While its performances shine, the film needed more breathing room to amplify its larger-than-life message.

‘Kantil’ is a strong debut film by Joshua Caesar Medroso, but so much has to be said in such a limited amount of time.

‘José Rizal’ is a classic that the following generations of Filipinos will revere and remember, now in its remastered form.

Through the newly restored ‘Bona,’ Lino Brocka renders water so sociopolitically volatile and cinematically iconic that even after four decades, its impact is still felt on our skin.

‘Kono Basho’ excels at using quiet moments for reflection, and while it may not turn out as smoothly as I had hoped, there is promise in seeing more stories about healing and hope in Philippine cinema.

‘Tumandok’ and the Ati community’s struggle to reclaim their ancestral lands transcend cinema; this is social justice.

Love Child is a film for everyone. Its bittersweet and quirky nature will surely win people’s hearts over. Its flaws are also worth noting, but they are not too grievous to the point of detesting the film.

‘Alipato at Muog’ is a documentary that follows the futile search for truth and justice by the families of those missing by “enforced disappearance,” focusing on the case of Jonas Burgos, a farmer-activist who has been missing since 2007.