Charlie Vitug

Sundance Film Festival’s ‘It’s What’s Inside’ combines elements of thriller, sci-fi, and dark comedy with fantastic technical work.

‘Woman of the Hour’ criticizes how society treats women, from the criminal justice system to the film and television industry. A true crime drama based on real-life serial killer Rodney Alcala. Now streaming on Netflix.

‘His Three Daughters’ uses separation as its central theme and intertwines it with the phenomenon of how death brings families together. It’s consistent with its tone throughout the film, but its ending is its biggest weakness.

‘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.

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

While ‘The Gospel of the Beast’s’ knife doesn’t cut as deep as it should’ve in terms of messaging, the theme and intention of the film are very clear — that economic instability creates beasts that can’t be tamed.

‘Tarot (2009)’ combines romance, family, and superstitions, giving us the exact formula to make a stereotypical Filipino mainstream horror film.

‘Under Parallel Skies’ is an entertaining romcom with a captivating performance by Janella Salvador, but it takes two to tango.

The Idea of You’ tells us two stories: how more young artists find themselves getting with older people and how the media sets a double standard on women.

‘Mr. and Mrs. Cruz’ is a heartwarming romantic comedy that reminds us to stay positive, because eventually, we will find ourselves in a place that makes us smile. Now showing as part of the IdeaFirst Film Festival.

‘About Us But Not About Us’ is a psychological thriller about two gay writers uncovering secrets on a recent death. It’s hard to listen to, but we keep listening because of the scandal that comes with it.

‘Baghead’ is a full-length adaptation of the 2017 short film of the same name that takes on too much to give us a compelling story. It was better as a short film.

‘Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko’ tells the story of two lovers with a shared love for music but neither does their love for music nor their love for each other feel real. It gives us an unethical romance with an undeniable power imbalance between the couple.

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ is an engrossing camp that leaves us chuckling for almost 2 hours. It's arguably the best we’ve ever seen from Liza Soberano because she carried the film, exceeding her Hollywood co-stars. Now showing in theaters.

And Yet, You Are So Sweet is a cliché romance that shows us what made shoujo stories decline in the first place, not being able to adapt to present times and its more progressive audience. Watch the other JFF films instead.