“What I wanted to make was something that distilled the feeling that I had when I was 14 while I read it,” says filmmaker Emerald Fennell in a featurette for “Wuthering Heights.” Fennell directed, produced and wrote the screenplay for her film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. “Every camera movement, every single prop has an emotional reason for existing. It is undeniable.”
Watch the trailer for “Wuthering Heights”below:
Reviews are out and critics have praised Fennell’s adaptation. Vogue US headlined their review by describing the film as an “indulgent delight,” with the author saying that the film “feels seared into my brain – the eye-popping excess, the unbridled, tongue-in-cheek nastiness, the sheer scale and imagination of it all. See it on the biggest screen possible with as many friends as possible, and get ready to argue for hours afterward.”
Rolling Stone said that Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” “may be the horniest literary interpretation ever made,” adding that “Sight and sound are all extra-ribbed for your you-know-what, but the movie is sensual in a way that aims to engage not just eyes and ears, but all of the senses at once.”
In their review, NME praised Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, who play Cathy and Heathcliff, respectively. “Robbie is unafraid of playing up Cathy’s brattiness and selfishness, while Elordi – with his spot-on regional accent – has a combustible magnetism that bristles throughout the film,” they wrote. “His temper and her jealousy are too hot, too greedy, as Kate Bush might say, and the same applies to the spicy sex scenes that are much edgier than your standard Victorian lit adaptation.”
Empire Magazine described the film as “satisfyingly sumptuous” and said that “Wuthering Heights” shows “Fennell’s filmmaking at its strongest. She summons gothic romanticism against the rough and wind-swept Northern terrain, and viscerally portrays the raw young love forged between the pair, before status and duty intervene. It’s refreshing to watch her work in a barren, near-wilderness environment, a desolate canvas in which Elordi and Robbie are given free rein to play.” Also starring Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif and Hong Chau, “Wuthering Heights” is now showing in cinemas, in time for Valentine’s Day weekend.
There’s something about the dynamic between director Irene Emma Villamor and actress Anne Curtis. Their tandem in Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story showcased how Villamor understands all of Curtis’ strengths and fully utilizes them, highlighting the full range of her acting talents while maximizing her magnetic screen presence. Along with Dingdong Dantes, the three made Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story a wonderful cinematic experience that proved mainstream movies can be both surprising and intellectually as well as emotionally engaging.
So swapping Dantes for the ever-reliable Jericho Rosales, The Loved One ups the ante, with Villamor presenting us with another romantic drama that pushes the boundaries of mainstream cinema, opting for restraint and introspection. Villamor, Curtis, and Rosales deliver a powerhouse film that explores how a partnership can shift over time and how memory is always a subjective experience.
The Loved One tells the story of Ellie (Curtis) and Eric (Rosales). It begins with Eric waiting for Ellie to arrive at a restaurant – filmed in black and white – where tension simmers from their text message exchange. Something has clearly happened between them.
While waiting, Eric begins to reminisce, and all these scenes are shown in color: the beginnings of their relationship all the way through ten years until this point, from their first dates to moving in together, to each protagonist’s highs and lows in life. Through his recollections, we witness their past until Ellie arrives and we see what those ten years have come to mean.
Villamor first posits that one person in any relationship is “the lover,” the one who loves more, while the other is “the loved one,” or the person who receives more of the love in that partnership. In the hodgepodge of memories that Eric brings up, all from various parts of their relationship, we see the less privileged Eric juggling work and his relationship with Ellie, while also providing for his family and we bear witness to his struggles and effort that he has put into his life. What’s wonderful about Villamor’s film is that its politics is toned down, though very clear in every scene. Ellie, coming from a more privileged background, lives in a huge house, practically a mansion, and all her magnificent wardrobe are either designer or custom-made clothing.
The restaurants they dine in are all fancy, and while the film never preaches about their rich-girl, poor-guy dynamic, it’s there for us to see. Eric never really brings it up, but it is something we notice, adding another layer to the effort he has taken to push their relationship for ten years.
But memory is subjective, and near the midpoint, Villamor does an incredible trick where Curtis’ Ellie looks directly at the camera and we begin seeing events from her point-of-view. Scenes are revisited, but through her perspective, and what we get is a full picture of a relationship that began earnestly and with the purest intentions. Yet, as life got in the way and the couple grew and changed, something was left behind.
Curtis and Rosales are in excellent form here. They deliver the carefully scripted lines so effortlessly that they make it sound casual and spontaneous. These are lived-in performances, and they communicate with their whole being that as Villamor directs the entire film to never lean into over-dramatics, the inner worlds of both characters are there for us to see.
While Rosales embodies the typical Pinoy man with big aspirations and dreams (which he does effortlessly), Curtis has the unenviable task of playing the far more complex Ellie. She’s a rich girl, but there’s an entire world inside of her and Curtis fully understood the assignment. Even when portraying Ellie in Eric’s recollection of events, the real Ellie is present, unseen by Eric but visible to the audience. When she takes over the narrative, we see it full stop. It’s such a detailed and nuanced performance that this might be the best Anne Curtis performance I’ve ever seen. I’m such a fan.
This film takes the personal and the specific and opens it up to the realm of the universal. The little fights they have, the joys they find in each other, the little things that make a relationship – both the good and the bad – are there for us to see. I’m very moved by this film, and it might be one of my favourites in Villamor’s impressive filmography.
My Rating: 5 Stars
Experience love, memory, and all the little moments in between with The Loved One. Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales shine in Irene Emma Villamor’s deeply moving romantic drama, now showing in cinemas. Don’t miss it.
I’ve never read the novel by Emily Bronte, but I have seen my fair share of BBC adaptations of Wuthering Heights. But after reading through all the sentiments on social media about Emerald Fennell’s new film adaptation of the 1847 novel, and considering what I know of Fennell from her films Promising Young Woman and Saltburn I kind of curbed my expectations. Even the idea that the soundtrack would include new songs from pop singer-songwriter Charlie XCX told me a lot I walked into the film.
Fennell had stated that she is merely doing her own version of the story, and in this take, it is the story of two children, Cathy and Heathcliff, who become close friends when Cathy’s drunken father, a somewhat disgraced lord, adopted Heathcliff as a ward. In the decrepit home of Wuthering Heights, the two grow up finding solace in each other, with Heathcliff promising to protect Cathy and Cathy promising to never leave his side. They grow up with deep affection for each other, but their circumstances would not find their marriage favourably. Cathy’s father is perpetually broke from gambling and drinking, and her only real prospect is to marry rich. Heathcliff, merely a ward of questionable origins, has no chance of marrying someone like Cathy.
As their love for each other grows from familial affection into something romantic coinciding with their sexual awakenings, something even more primal than that, their love and friendship constantly push them toward hurting each other. When life at Wuthering Heights becomes dire, Cathy chooses to marry their wealthy neighbour, Edgar Linton.
Heathcliff takes a horse and leaves before he discovers the truth about Cathy’s feelings for him. Years later, Cathy is living in wealth and privilege and is with child when Heathcliff returns. He has become wealthy, having purchased Wuthering Heights. The passion they still. harbor for one another ultimately destroys them and everyone around them.
If anything, Fennel has a striking visual style and creates some very powerful imagery throughout the film. The way she captured sensuality in Saltburn finds its way here as well. She plays with the film’s sound design so that the heavy breaths characters take almost evokes a sexuality, even when the imagery suggests the opposite – take note of the opening scene. It’s as if she’s deliberately creating a link between sex and violence.
She also uses elaborate set pieces that look like intentionally constructed, emphasizing to show off the movie’s artifice. Everything is hyper-real as if signaling to us that this is adaptation is not to be taken too seriously.
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, as Cathy and Heathcliff have an undeniable chemistry. However, while Elordi’s has proven his range in Priscilla, his performance here feels somewhat one-note, it’s a shame that his full range isn’t utilized here, and it’s Robbie who takes center stage. She’s a wildfire, a tempest and she does not play for our sympathy. Instead, she portrays Cathy as a spoiled woman unable to control her innermost desires.
The perfect foil for her is Hong Chau as Nelly, Cathy’s companion. Caught in the crossfire of Cathy and Heathcliff’s destructive love, Nelly becomes the grounding force, attempting to impose a sense of order on her childhood friend. Yet even she takes things to an extreme, having a hand in the separation of the two. Chau is brilliant. While her work is less explosive than Robbie’s, as a more dignified character, she has to hold her emotions close, revealing what she really feels through subtle gestures and looks. Despite Nelly’s flaws, she becomes the only character I could truly grasp and connect with.
Despite Robbie and Chau’s performances and Fennell’s powerful visual style, I am made to feel uncomfortable with how the film positions the love story as a tragic romance when they are so toxic to each other and to everyone around them.
Their destructive choices and the film centers this as the driving force of the narrative. The music swirls when they find themselves intertwined. At some point, I did feel that there is a commentary here against the class system that puts Cathy’s future in the hands of a wealthy husband and not with the person she truly loves, who has no prospects. It could be a message that Fennell is going for if she didn’t seem to put so much emphasis on how wonderful it is to be rich during this era of civilization. Robbie has a plethora of costume changes, each one more grand, more stylish than the last. If the film is attempting to make any commentaries against social class inequality, it falters by enjoying the moments of privileges Cathy gains from marrying a man for convenience rather than love.
The film focuses more on the passion and illicit affair between Cathy and Heathcliff than on the damage they inflict on those around them, which makes it feel as though Fennell is more fascinated and interested by the subject matter than by its consequences. This is what makes the film so hard to stomach despite its gorgeous visual elements.
My Rating: 2 Stars
Love. Obsession. Destruction. Experience the stormy passion of Cathy and Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights on the big screen. Catch Emerald Fennell’s daring adaptation in theaters now, and don’t miss the drama, the visuals, and the unforgettable performances of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
Under the blazing California sun, a silent war is unfolding.
In Crime 101, an elusive jewel thief prepares for the score of a lifetime. A seasoned insurance broker finds her career hanging by a thread. And a relentless detective inches closer to uncovering the mastermind behind a string of high-profile heists along the Southern California coast.
Directed, written, and produced by Bart Layton, and based on Don Winslow’s acclaimed novella, Crime 101 is a tense, character-driven thriller powered by an exceptional cast: Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo. The film opens in Philippine cinemas on February 18.
Casting the Perfect Trio
Pulling off a story this layered required more than big names — it demanded transformative performances.
Producer Eric Fellner, co-chair of Working Title Films, emphasized that while the cast boasts undeniable star power, it’s their craft that truly elevates the film.
“You can talk about them being a great cast in terms of their names, but they’re also phenomenal actors,” Fellner says. “Every single one of them brings their character into the world beautifully.”
The result is a gripping ensemble where every glance, every pause, and every decision carries weight.
Watch the Trailer here:
Chris Hemsworth as Davis: Precision and Paranoia
Chris Hemsworth leads the charge as Davis, a meticulous jewel thief whose carefully constructed criminal empire has left him isolated and guarded. Focused on executing one final high-stakes job, Davis operates with icy control — but beneath the surface, cracks begin to show.
To build authenticity, Layton and producer Dimitri Doganis conducted interviews with real jewel thieves and the law enforcement officers who pursued them.
“For us, that isn’t unusual. That is absolutely the standard place that one starts building a story. Real people, real experiences,” Doganis says. “Then you make sure that what you are doing really feels like it’s anchored in truth. I think that’s what we were always struggling for, even with something which is entirely invented. It has to plug into broader truths about who we are and how we live and what we want if it’s going to stay with people. Both jewel thieves and the policemen who chased them were really important sources to get certain details.”
Grounded in real-world insight, Davis emerges not just as a criminal mastermind, but as a man wrestling with the consequences of his own ambition.
Halle Berry as Sharon Coombs: A Career on the Brink
Standing at the emotional core of the film is Sharon Coombs, portrayed by Academy Award winner Halle Berry. A longtime insurance broker whose elite clients are directly impacted by the jewel thefts, Coombs finds herself confronting both professional frustration and personal reckoning.
At a pivotal crossroads, she questions the value placed on women at midlife — especially in high-pressure industries.
“One of the reasons I was really attracted to this movie when Bart first talked to me was because I think it’s very poignant,” Berry says. “It speaks to who we are as women today, and women in midlife, and how we are often discarded and we are devalued. I’ve been on a tear to bring our second acts to the forefront, because so many of us have struggled in the workplace.”
Berry brings depth and vulnerability to Coombs, transforming her into more than collateral damage in a criminal saga. She becomes a force in her own right.
Off-camera, the experience proved equally meaningful.
“This is one of the best movie making experiences I’ve ever had, and that’s a lot to say when you’ve been doing this for 30 years,” Berry says. “But between Chris, Bart and Mark, I have never felt more cared for, more respected, more listened to, and more supported.”
Mark Ruffalo as Detective “Lou” Lubesnik: Justice at All Costs
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Detective “Lou” Lubesnik, played by Mark Ruffalo — a lawman driven by duty and an unshakable need to solve the case.
Obsessed with connecting the dots behind the jewel heists, Lubesnik edges closer to Davis with every new lead. Ruffalo worked closely with Layton to ensure the character’s moral dilemmas felt layered and real.
“I was really excited about this when it came along,” Ruffalo says. “My talks with Bart were great. There was a lot of back and forth about the character and just how to punch out some of those moral themes to make the suspense better.”
Interestingly, Hemsworth points out that Davis and Lubesnik share unexpected similarities.
“We see Mark Ruffalo as someone who has never really been given his due or been taken seriously, as he deserves,” Hemsworth says. “There’s a slight self-sabotaging nature about the way the character operates. He’s kind of at that point in his life where he’s asking the question: is this as good as it gets? Have I run my course now or is there more to be had?”
Two men on different sides of the law — both questioning their legacy, both chasing something just out of reach.
Suspense Anchored in Truth
What sets Crime 101 apart is its commitment to realism. Drawing from firsthand accounts of jewel thieves and investigators, the film crafts a suspenseful narrative that feels unsettlingly plausible.
As tensions rise and alliances shift, each character must confront hard truths about ambition, relevance, and consequence.
Sleek yet emotionally charged, Crime 101 delivers a powerful cinematic experience where every move matters — and every choice has a cost.
In a world where the biggest animals dominate the biggest sport, one small goat is ready to challenge the rules. GOAT, the latest animated feature from Sony Pictures Animation, introduces audiences to an all-animal universe where roarball reigns supreme—and size often decides success. At the center of the action is Will Harris, a gifted young player whose passion for the game burns brighter than any doubt thrown his way.
Will has heard it all before: “smalls don’t ball.” Still, armed with talent, confidence, and an unshakable dream, he refuses to be sidelined. His goal is simple yet daring—to play alongside his heroes and prove that heart matters just as much as strength.
Caleb McLaughlin Finds Meaning in Will’s Journey
Voicing Will is Caleb McLaughlin, widely known for his work on Stranger Things. The actor saw an immediate connection between himself and the determined young goat.
“Will is a hero in his own world,” says McLaughlin. “He’s got this bigger vision for himself and for the people he loves, and that’s what keeps him going. He’s inspired by the role models around him, and I totally connect to that idea of being on a personal quest with a lot of heart behind it.”
That emotional bond translates into a performance filled with warmth, confidence, and authenticity—making Will a character audiences can root for from start to finish.
Watch the Trailer here:
A Reflection of Today’s Youth
Director Tyree Dillihay describes Will as a symbol of the younger generation—driven, passionate, and unafraid to chase dreams without a clear path.
“He represents the youth generation,” Dillihay says. “He doesn’t have a route to get there but he’s hungry, passionate, hardheaded. He wears an armor of courage and strength and go-get-it-ness. I love that about Will.”
Will’s journey mirrors the reality many young dreamers face today: uncertain roads, loud doubts, and the courage to keep moving anyway.
Building Will’s Confidence and Swag
Head of Character Animation Daniel Pozo and his team had a blast shaping Will’s movements and attitude. Inspired by basketball legends and McLaughlin’s on-screen presence, they crafted a character who radiates confidence.
“He’s a teenager with a lot of confidence—he’s got swag,” says Pozo. “We looked at references like Kobe Bryant when he was in high school and Caleb’s own movie performances. He exudes so much confidence in how he walks. We started with that and layered in these idiosyncratic behaviors that basketball players tend to have—they seem to always have a ball passing between their hands, always in movement.”
From the way he walks to how he handles the ball, Will’s animation reflects a player who knows he belongs on the court.
Adding Personality, One Quirk at a Time
For McLaughlin, part of the fun was shaping Will’s small but memorable traits.
“One of the most fun parts for me was finding Will’s signature moments—like his unique laugh or those improv bits that really capture his personality,” says McLaughlin. “I think everyone has their own version of that little signature quirk—their own goat ‘baa,’ if you will. Discovering Will’s personal touch really made those scenes enjoyable.”
These playful touches give Will extra charm and make his journey feel genuine and relatable.
More Than a Sports Story
Co-director Adam Rosette believes GOAT speaks to anyone who has ever held onto a dream, whether it involves sports or not.
“It represents what it’s like to have a dream, not only what it’s like to play sports,” he says. “It’s about Will’s dream, which just happens to be becoming a pro roarball player. If you’ve ever had a dream—something that you aspire to be—this movie is for you. There’s heart, there’s hustle and humor.”
Game On This February
With its uplifting message, dynamic animation, and heartfelt performances, GOAT celebrates courage, perseverance, and the power of believing in yourself—no matter your size.
One of the most celebrated films of the year is finally making its way to Philippine cinemas. HAMNET, the Golden Globe Best Picture – Drama winner and an eight-time Academy Award nominee, arrives exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas beginning February 18, offering local audiences a rare chance to experience an awards-season triumph on the big screen.
Written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, HAMNET is adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling and critically acclaimed novel. The film stars Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, and Joe Alwyn, delivering deeply affecting performances that have captivated critics worldwide.
A Standout of the Awards Season
HAMNET has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of the year, earning Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and a host of major craft categories including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Casting, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
The film also made waves at the Golden Globes, where it claimed Best Motion Picture – Drama, alongside Jessie Buckley’s win for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Lauded for its emotional honesty and restrained storytelling, HAMNET continues to resonate with audiences for its intimate portrayal of love, grief, and creation.
Watch the Official Trailer here:
The Story Behind a Timeless Masterpiece
Set in late 16th-century England, HAMNET offers a poignant reimagining of the life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes. What begins as a passionate courtship blossoms into marriage and family life, with three children grounding their world.
As Will leaves for London to pursue a career in theater, Agnes remains behind, managing the household and holding their family together. When tragedy unexpectedly strikes, the couple’s enduring bond is pushed to its limits. Out of heartbreak and remembrance comes the emotional foundation that would later inspire Hamlet, one of the most enduring works in literary history.
A Film Best Experienced at Ayala Malls Cinemas
Ayala Malls Cinemas provides the ideal setting for a film as visually poetic and emotionally resonant as HAMNET. Every detail of the period drama is elevated through state-of-the-art digital projection, while the film’s evocative original score fills the theater with rich surround sound, amplifying each quiet moment and emotional turn.
With premium seating, refreshed interiors, and a thoughtfully curated cinematic environment, Ayala Malls Cinemas allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in stories that matter. Known for showcasing critically acclaimed films and award-winning masterpieces, it remains the perfect venue to experience Hamnet’s quiet strength and lasting impact.
A Vision Trusted by Cinema Legends
Producer Steven Spielberg praised Chloé Zhao’s approach to the material, expressing confidence in her ability to bring O’Farrell’s novel to the screen with sensitivity and care.
“The beautiful and memorable storytelling in Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel deserved to be brought to the screen by a filmmaker who would protect the material’s integrity and demonstrate an intuitive understanding of the emotional and complex journey that the characters—and the audience—take over the course of the story. There was only one director I knew who would bring Hamnet to the screen with such compassionate care, and that is Chloé Zhao,” says Spielberg. “In adapting the novel with Maggie, Chloé’s inherent humanity, unerring sense of narrative, and gift for getting remarkable performances infuse every frame of Hamnet”.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an Early Access Screening
Audiences looking for a meaningful Valentine’s Day experience can be among the first to watch HAMNET during Early Access screenings on February 14 at 6:30 PM, available at select Ayala Malls Cinemas locations:
Trinoma
Glorietta 4
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
HAMNET opens exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas on February 18. Book tickets now at www.sureseats.com.
For the latest updates, follow Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s about connection, healing, and celebrating the people who’ve stuck with you through it all. And if you’re a fan of Korean indie-rock band The Rose—known as a Black Rose—you already know: this love runs deep.
In a heartfelt gift to their fans, Ayala Malls Cinemas proudly presents The Rose: Come Back To Me — a touching, one-week-only documentary film that goes behind the music and into the hearts of Woosung, Dojoon, Hajoon, and Jaehyeong.
Running February 14 to 20, this A-Exclusive screening brings fans up close and personal with the band’s emotional journey—only at Ayala Malls Cinemas.
Behind the Spotlight: The Untold Story of The Rose
More than just a music documentary, The Rose: Come Back To Me is a story of strength, dreams, and unwavering friendship.
From leaving behind the traditional K-pop idol path to carving their own sound and space in the industry, the film follows the group’s evolution from misunderstood indie rockers to chart-topping global artists. Along the way, it reveals the painful pauses—legal disputes, an unexpected hiatus, and emotional burnout—that tested their unity and commitment.
But through it all, The Rose rose again.
Featuring the exclusive track “Trauma,” composed just for the film, Come Back To Me blends powerful music with unfiltered storytelling. It’s their way of thanking the fans who never left.
A Movie Date Worth Remembering
Whether you’re part of the fandom or discovering The Rose for the first time, this Valentine’s week offers a refreshing alternative to the usual romantic flicks. It’s for the ones who’ve found comfort in lyrics. Who’ve healed with harmonies. Who understand that love, in its truest form, is often found in community and creative expression.
And where better to feel all of that than in the plush, immersive setting of Ayala Malls Cinemas?
Premium Cinematic Experience, Made for Fans
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to be the go-to destination for unforgettable movie moments—especially for Hallyu fans.
Expect:
Comfy seats with extra legroom
State-of-the-art Dolby Atmos and Dolby Sound
Exclusive screenings across premier locations
So yes, whether you’re laughing, crying, or singing under your breath, this is the place to be.
Where to Watch
Mark your calendars and secure those tickets—this exclusive screening runs for just one week, from February 14 to 20.
Planning to go with your barkada? Watching solo as a self-love date? However you’re spending it, don’t forget to share your experience with the rest of the fandom online!
Use the hashtags: #TheRoseComeBackToMe #ValentinesWithTheRose #AyalaMallsCinemas
Post those selfies, concert cries, or post-film thoughts on Instagram, Threads, X, and TikTok. Your story might just be shared by other fans—or even the band themselves.
This Valentine’s, Love Sounds Like The Rose
This isn’t just a film. It’s a love letter—to fans, to music, and to the journey of choosing authenticity over perfection.
From February 14 to 20, let The Rose: Come Back To Me remind you why music matters—and why fan love never fades.
For more updates, follow Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram.
I want Rachel McAdams to get acting nominations for her performance in this campy, gory suspense/thriller, that’s actually pretty funny if you can get past director Sam Raimi’s affinity to blood and gore. It’s definitely a feminist film, maligning the toxic masculinity that seems very apparent in corporate America. And what I love about its feminism is that it isn’t afraid to make McAdams’ Linda to be a heavily flawed character. She’s as human as the rest of us – awkward, a little obsessive, a bit unkempt and untidy – but her rage is justified. And when the narrative beats pushes her to cross the line, the film is unafraid to show that she’s just as much the villain as her boss, played by Dylan O’Brien.
Send Help follows Linda Liddle, a hardworking employee in a corporation run by the father of Dylan O’Brien’s Bradley Preston. Bradley is set to take over the company after his father’s passing, and Linda, who has been carrying the bulk of the work in her department, is hoping that the senior Preston’s promise of making her a vice-president will be honoured by Bradley. But to her shock, she’s passed over by her direct supervisor, who has taken credit for all her accomplishments at work. When she confronts Bradley head-on, he tells her she should join them on a trip to Bangkok for a merger to prove herself. But the plane malfunctions and crashes into the ocean, leaving Linda and Bradley on an island. With only Linda’s survival skills – she dreams of becoming a contestant on the hit television reality show Survivor – to keep them alive while they wait for rescue.
The screenplay of Damian Shannon and Mark Swift takes a satirical tone, over exaggerating the worst of corporate structures, toxic masculinity, and giving a fantastical take on Linda’s duality. At the office, she’s a mess, her hair is always untidy, her clothes are devoid of femininity, and she’s criticized for having an “odious smell” stemming from her love of tuna fish sandwiches. She’s socially awkward, and no one likes her, despite being a genius with numbers and a highly efficient workhorse. On the island, stripped of the social hierarchies and mind games of corporate life, she blooms. All her books on survival and her dreams of becoming a cast member of Survivor bring out her full potential. Here, she’s in charge. Her hair is gorgeous. In the office, her makeup is pale, attempting to give her the no-makeup look and tries (a challenge for McAdams) to make her look plain. But on the island, the makeup artist gives her a radiant glow. And the Rachel McAdams we know, who made a breathtaking debut in the Mean Girls and rose to superstardom in The Notebook makes a striking reappearance.
It’s almost a toxic masculine wet dream, but Shannon, Swift, and director Sam Raimi quickly subvert this. Linda’s personality quirks still remain, yet the power being the sole provider for her horrible boss brings out a side of her she didn’t know she had. Of course, at first, Bradley orders her around, belittles her, and mocks her, but when he realises he cannot survive on the island without her, he begins to take a more submissive role. This shift not only encourages Linda’s growth but also nudges her further tipping into the darker side of her personality.
The film is funny, action-packed, and horrifying all at the same time. Raimi’s use of unconventional camera angles, perspectives, and his penchant for jump scares and gore keeps the film exciting, perfect for audiences who have come for a roller-coaster ride. Even as Bradley and Linda start pushing each other’s buttons, bringing out the worst versions in themselves, you can’t help but root for Linda. The film has already positioned her as the initial victim – even as the twists and turns of the film’s narrative quickly turns that around and shift her into a perpetrator as well – and in a way, the film tackles the underdog story of gaining power and becoming the aggressor. The comedic aspect of the movie allow us to bend our morality for this film so we can excuse all her behaviour on the island.
The crowd around me as I was watching was firmly on her side, even when she went too far.
O’Brien serves as a great foil, portraying the toxic male nepo-baby to a tee. You enjoy hating him and constantly question when he starts to show kindness towards Linda. But make not mistake, this is McAdams’ movie through and through. She’s an amazing actress who understands the tone of camp, hitting it precisely at that frequency, yet she is able to switch it when her character undergoes an internal crisis. She finds pathos in the character and manages to bring it out even in the moments of Linda’s turn to the darker side of herself. Linda is slowly unraveling, but McAdams does it so naturally that it never feels like “a performance.” It simply settles into the rhythm of the film. I really want people to take note of this performance as a high-wire act that is not easy to do.
This movie itself is pure fun. Be ready to be grossed out, scream in agony and fright, and laugh at the absurdity of what Raimi, Shannon and Swift put these characters through. And keep your eyes on McAdams who nails this character and makes Linda completely unforgettable.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Get ready for laughs, screams, and pure chaos. Watch Send Help in cinemas now and witness Rachel McAdams’ unforgettable performance!
Get ready for a ferocious new chapter in the legendary Predator franchise! Predator: Badlands will be streaming exclusively on Disney+ Philippines starting February 12, delivering a fresh and fearless twist to the sci-fi saga fans have followed for nearly four decades.
Under the direction of Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane), this latest installment expands the mythos of the terrifying Yautja hunters, while introducing a dynamic duo of new characters and a story packed with high-octane action, survival drama, and emotional grit.
Thrown together by fate, the two form an unlikely alliance as they trek across the brutal terrain in search of the ultimate foe. With danger lurking behind every corner and trust in short supply, their journey becomes more than a fight for survival, it becomes a test of identity, loyalty, and purpose.
Action Meets Emotion in a Stunning Sci-Fi Spectacle
Brimming with explosive combat scenes, sleek creature design, and rich world-building, Predator: Badlands delivers everything action fans crave, and then some. But it’s not all blood and battle. This time, the film digs deeper into the emotional core of its characters, exploring themes of exile, resilience, and the strength found in unexpected connections.
Expect seamless visual effects, pulse-pounding tension, and a surprising dose of heart as the narrative flips the franchise formula on its head, offering viewers a deeper glimpse into Predator culture and what it means to be the hunted and the hunter.
Breaking Franchise Records Worldwide
Critics and audiences can’t get enough. Predator: Badlands has already clawed its way to the top of the franchise leaderboard, grossing an impressive $184.5 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Predator film of all time. It has officially overtaken 2004’s Alien vs. Predator, which previously held the crown with $177.4 million.
And the accolades don’t stop there. The film currently holds a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Hot Popcornmeter and an 86% Certified Fresh rating from critics, earning praise for its bold storytelling, sharp direction, and thrilling visuals.
Watch the Entire Predator Legacy on Disney+
Hyped for Badlands but want to catch up first? Disney+ Philippines has you covered. The entire Predator movie collection is now available to stream—perfect for newcomers and longtime fans alike.
From the original 1987 classic to 2022’s acclaimed Prey, and now Badlands, it’s the ultimate binge for sci-fi lovers.
Film Synopsis
In the distant future, on a merciless alien planet riddled with hidden dangers, a young Predator named Dek finds himself exiled from his tribe. Struggling with isolation and shame, he crosses paths with Thia, a resourceful human survivor with a haunted past.
Forced to rely on one another, Dek and Thia embark on a high-stakes journey to track down the deadliest creature in the galaxy—a mission that will challenge everything they thought they knew about strength, honor, and survival.
Save the Date: February 12
The wait is almost over. Predator: Badlands arrives February 12 on Disney+ Philippines, ready to thrill, shock, and redefine the hunt for a whole new generation.
Strap in for the boldest Predator story yet, where monsters aren’t always what they seem, and survival is only the beginning.
Horror Comes Home: Kevin Williamson Finally Directs Scream 7
After nearly 30 years of redefining the horror genre with his whip-smart script for the original Scream, Kevin Williamson is stepping into a new role—Director.
“People ask me that all the time, have I always wanted to direct a Scream movie, and I say, yes, with all my heart.”
Now, with Scream 7 opening in Philippine cinemas this February 25, fans will see the beloved creator take full creative control—for the very first time—as the franchise’s writer, producer, and director.
WATCH the featurette featuring Neve Campbell and Isabel May sharing their experience with Williamson at the helm:
A New Nightmare Begins: Ghostface Returns
In Scream 7, the story picks up in a quiet town far from Woodsboro—where Sidney Prescott (played by the returning Neve Campbell) has started over. After years of trauma, she’s built a peaceful life for herself and her daughter, played by rising star Isabel May.
But peace is short-lived.
A new Ghostface emerges, targeting Sidney’s daughter in a terrifying twist that forces the legendary survivor to face her darkest memories. With blood once again being spilled, Sidney is pushed to her limits in a desperate fight to end the terror—for good.
Familiar Faces and New Frights
Alongside the return of Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers, the film introduces a star-studded ensemble that mixes fresh talent with fan-favorites:
With Ghostface back on the prowl, no one is safe—and everyone’s a suspect.
(From left) Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott and director Kevin Williamson on the set of Scream 7
Kevin Williamson: From Pen to Director’s Chair
For fans of the franchise, seeing Kevin Williamson return in such a hands-on role is a dream come true. Known for writing the original Scream (1996) and shaping its meta-horror legacy, Williamson now finally brings his vision to life behind the camera.
The screenplay for Scream 7 is penned by Williamson and Guy Busick (Ready or Not, Scream VI), while production is handled by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein. Together, they aim to blend nostalgia, fresh scares, and deep emotional stakes in what promises to be one of the most intense entries in the series yet.
Why This One Hits Different
This isn’t just another Ghostface killing spree. Scream 7 explores motherhood, legacy, and the weight of survival—through the eyes of Sidney, a character who’s grown alongside her audience.
With Kevin Williamson finally directing the franchise he birthed, fans can expect a return to the clever, suspenseful storytelling that made Scream iconic—but with even more heart and horror.
See Scream 7 in Cinemas on February 25
The legacy of Scream lives on—and with Williamson behind the lens, it’s about to cut deeper than ever.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, this is the horror event you don’t want to miss.
Catch Scream 7 exclusively in Philippine cinemas this February 25. #Scream7 @paramountpicsph
