Horror fans, brace yourselves—there’s a new cinematic nightmare on the horizon. From the unsettling imagination of Barbarian director Zach Cregger comes “Weapons”, an all-new horror/thriller that promises to keep you guessing…and trembling.
Julia Garner
The freshly released, pulse-racing trailer offers a chilling glimpse into the mystery that’s set to unfold, and it’s already igniting buzz among genre lovers.
A Vanishing That Defies Explanation
The eerie plot centers on a horrifying event: all but one child from the same class inexplicably disappear on the same night, at the exact same moment. As fear grips the community, the pressing question echoes—who, or what, is behind their disappearance?
Josh Brolin
With its haunting premise and unnerving tension, Weapons is shaping up to be one of 2025’s must-watch thrillers.
Watch the Official Trailer Now—If You Dare…
The chilling trailer for Weapons is available to watch now. Prepare for unsettling twists, eerie suspense, and a storyline that will haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll.
Zach Cregger doesn’t just direct—he pens the screenplay and produces, continuing his reputation for bold, original storytelling that leaves audiences breathless.
A spine-tingling score from Ryan Holladay, Hays Holladay, and Zach Cregger himself.
Mark Your Calendars for August 2025
Presented by New Line Cinema, and produced by Subconscious, Vertigo Entertainment, and BoulderLight Pictures, Weapons promises a gripping cinematic experience.
The film premieres in theaters and IMAX nationwide on August 8, 2025 and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, with an international release kicking off August 6, 2025.
Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just love a thrilling mystery, Weapons will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Looking for an epic movie adventure the whole family can enjoy? Get ready to blast off! Ayala Malls Cinemas invites you to experience Disney-Pixar’s newest cosmic misadventure Elio, showing now in cinemas — with ultra-immersive 4DX and giant-screen thrills at A-Giant Cinemas!
From the brilliant creators of Inside Out 2, Elio features an all-star voice cast, including Academy Award-winner Zoe Saldaña (Guardians of the Galaxy), Brad Garrett (Finding Nemo), Jameela Jamil (The Good Place), and rising star Yonas Kibreab as Elio himself.
Feel the Universe Come to Life in 4DX
Watching Elio in 4DX isn’t your typical movie night — it’s an electrifying, multisensory ride! Moviegoers will feel gravity shift, the wind brush past as characters zoom through space, and atmospheric lights flash as if you’re aboard a starship.
With motion seats and immersive special effects, audiences can join Elio as he meets quirky alien life forms, explores colorful new planets, and unravels the mystery of his identity — all without leaving their seats.
Catch Elio in 4DX exclusively at Bonifacio High Street and U.P. Town Center.
What’s Elio All About?
For generations, humanity has gazed at the stars in search of answers. But in Disney-Pixar’s Elio, the universe finally calls back!
Meet Elio — a young space enthusiast with an imagination as vast as the cosmos and an obsession with all things alien. But when he’s unexpectedly transported to the Communiverse, an intergalactic hub teeming with alien delegates, Elio faces his wildest mission yet.
Mistaken for Earth’s leader, Elio must navigate a galactic-sized identity crisis, forge connections with eccentric extraterrestrials, and discover where he truly belongs — all while the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
Watch The Trailer Here:
A-Giant Cinemas: Where Adventures Feel Larger Than Life
Ayala Malls’ A-Giant Cinemas promise a cinematic spectacle like no other. With a massive screen four times largerthan standard theaters, every surreal frame of Elio bursts into life, making viewers feel like part of the galactic action.
Director of Photography Jordan Rempel describes the movie’s space scenes:
“In the Communiverse, everything is moving around – things are pulsing. There’s always movement in every frame,” says Jordan Rempel. “Sometimes it’s literal movement – discs are orbiting, star fields shift and rotate – they’re never static.”
Perfect for families, A-Giant Cinemas transform ordinary movie nights into unforgettable events.
Fun Extras for the Kids and the Young-at-Heart
Before or after the movie, families can snap photos and unleash their creativity with the exclusive Elio-themed doodle walls, located in Ayala Malls Cinemas lobbies. It’s the perfect way to create fun, cosmic memories with your little explorers!
More Movie Magic with Ayala Malls Specialty Cinemas
Besides 4DX and A-Giant, Ayala Malls Cinemas offer premium Specialty Cinemas like ATMOS and A-Luxe, designed for ultimate comfort and superior viewing. Enjoy:
✔️ Plush seats with extra legroom ✔️ Crystal-clear laser projections ✔️ Immersive Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos technology
Of course, no movie experience is complete without snacks! Grab popcorn, sandwiches, and ice-cold drinks from The Movie Snackbar, your go-to for movie munchies.
Ready for Lift-Off? Book Your Elio Tickets Today!
Elio is now showing across Ayala Malls Cinemas. Don’t miss this must-see family movie event!
Buckle up, horror fans—the world’s favorite AI doll is back, and she’s bringing a fierce new rival along for the ride. Universal Pictures teams up with drag superstars M1ss Jade So and Janio to bring M3GAN 2.0 to life—literally—by transforming into the upgraded M3GAN and her lethal nemesis, Amelia.
A.I. Gets an Upgrade—and a Whole Lot More Dangerous
Director Gerard Johnstone, the mastermind behind the 2023 viral horror hit, promises the sequel will be bolder, sharper, and way more terrifying.
“I never want to repeat myself, and telling the same story again with slight variations didn’t feel right for M3gan—especially after the unexpected cultural moment the first film became,” Johnstone says. “When we made the original, it reflected a time when I was deeply concerned about how technology, especially things like iPads and smartphones, was reshaping parenting. But by the time we started thinking about the sequel, Chat GPT had arrived, and the conversation around A.I. had shifted. Suddenly, it was not about whether A.I. would become part of our lives—it already was. That is what inspired the new film: the idea that M3gan is not going anywhere, so what does it mean to live with her? Is she entirely bad, or did her behavior come from how she was raised—how Gemma trained her? And if she had been guided differently, could she have learned the difference between right and wrong? Those are the questions we are exploring now.”
Meet Amelia: The Spy Doll With a Grudge
Step aside, M3GAN—the doll world has a new queen, and she’s playing for keeps. Enter Amelia, a weaponized android built from the same cutting-edge tech as M3GAN—but this time, with military-grade upgrades and an axe to grind.
“In a lot of ways, Amelia is M3gan 2.0—she’s M3gan rebuilt with military hardware, and her sole purpose is revenge,” Johnstone says. “For all of M3gan’s flaws, at least she was designed to protect Gemma’s niece, Cady. But Amelia seems to have been reprogrammed, and once she becomes self-aware and goes rogue, all she has is animosity toward the people who created her, tortured her and treated her like a slave. It raises this fascinating question: if we build robots to serve us, and they become self-aware, how are they going to feel about us?”
A Battle of Dolls… and Wits
Producer James Wan, the horror icon behind The Conjuring and Insidious, believes the film reflects our growing unease with AI’s rapid rise.
“If M3gan represents, at least in this film, the idea of a potentially positive A.I., then Amelia is the dark side of that—something built to do harm, with the potential to be deeply disruptive to humanity,” Wan says. “Sure, the government or whoever created her might believe they can control her. But what happens if she becomes sentient? What happens when she decides, ‘I don’t want to be confined by the code of humanity—I want to be something greater’? That is the real fear with A.I. It keeps learning, and at some point, it may realize the fastest way to evolve is to eliminate the main threat. And that threat is humans.”
The doll that broke the internet is back—and she’s evolved.
Get ready for a cosmic ride that’s equal parts laughter, heart, and wonder—because Elio, Disney and Pixar’s newest animated gem, has officially landed in Philippine cinemas!
In true Pixar fashion, Elio combines dazzling visuals with deep emotional resonance, delivering a story that’s out of this world—but hits close to home. At the core of this imaginative adventure is Elio, an 11-year-old boy who never quite felt like he belonged… until the universe chose him.
Meet Elio: Earth’s Unlikely Ambassador
After the tragic loss of his parents, Elio turns his eyes skyward, searching for something greater—a place to feel seen and understood. His journey takes a wildly unexpected turn when a cosmic glitch whisks him into the Communiverse, an intergalactic society of wildly colorful alien civilizations.
Suddenly, Elio is declared Earth’s official ambassador—despite having zero diplomatic skills, zero space experience, and zero idea what he’s doing!
The Heart of the Story? Glordon.
But the real magic begins when Elio meets Glordon—a gentle, hilarious, and incredibly loyal alien who sees Elio for who he truly is. Their heartwarming friendship becomes the emotional engine of the film, proving that sometimes, all it takes is one person (or alien!) to make you feel like you finally belong.
“Elio’s parents passed away when he was younger,” shares producer Mary Alice Drumm. “He’s lonely. He sees this magnificence in space—the promise of life—and he puts all his energy into that. He really believes that’s where he’ll find true connection.”
Director Adrian Molina adds “Glordon is what Elio really needs. It’s not membership in this glittery, awesome space club—it’s an actual friend. And Elio will learn a lot about himself through this new friendship.”
A Story for Everyone, at Just the Right Time
Co-directed by Oscar® winner Domee Shi, Elio touches on themes that feel especially timely. From loneliness and identity to the transformative power of genuine connection, this film speaks to kids and adults alike.
“It’s through opening himself up to Glordon—an alien—that Elio is able to begin healing his loneliness,” says Shi. “It’s so important right now because kids and adults are feeling lonelier than ever. My hope is that audiences feel inspired to look for and make connections with the people around them and with this planet, and the universe in some way.”
Why You’ll Love Elio
Spectacular animation that brings alien worlds to life
Hilarious, heartfelt moments for all ages
A powerful message about empathy and belonging
A beautiful depiction of chosen family and friendship
Now Showing: Grab Your Bestie and Watch Elio Together
Just like Elio and Glordon find a friendship that changes their lives, Elio is best experienced with someone special by your side. Don’t miss this stellar adventure, now showing in cinemas across the Philippines!
What is most surprising about director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland’s 28 Years Later is the tender heart beneath the story. Considering both are known for their hard-hitting approaches to the subjects of their films, the third installment in the trilogy that began with their collaboration 28 Days Later does not hold back on the tension and horror. However, after the first hour, it shifts direction to bring us something poignant and intimate in the second half.
As indicated by the title, the story is set 28 years after the rage virus destroyed the United Kingdom. The world was able to contain the pandemic within the UK and has since moved on, but anyone left in the country must fend for themselves. On a small island off the coast of Scotland, a community is thriving. Remote and accessible only by a causeway that disappears when the tide is high, the community has found a way to survive. Here, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is taking care of his sick wife, Isla (Jodie Comer), and their 12-year-old son, Spike (Alfie Williams). In this town, part of the children’s education includes learning to fight and protect themselves from the infected. Jamie is taking Spike to the mainland, against the elders’ wishes, as the rite of passage usually happens at 14 or 15, so he can make his first kill.
In Scotland, the infected are scattered. Without the rush of industry and civilization, Boyle and Garland imagine the rich, bountiful Scottish landscape as a forest primeval. Jamie is preparing Spike for more adult responsibilities. What appears to be a father-and-son hunting expedition is actually a test of Spike’s survival instincts, stamina, and his ability to stay calm and collected.
An infected in Columbia Pictures’ 28 YEARS LATER.
Of course, things do not go as planned. They are chased by a pack of infected, now led by a bigger, stronger one who is smarter than the rest, whom they have called Alpha.
Jamie and Spike are forced to spend the night on the mainland before they can attempt to return, hoping that the low tide has made the causeway passable. Throughout the first hour of the film, the atmosphere is filled with tension and suspense. And despite Taylor-Johnson’s charm, his character Jamie is marked by a toxic masculinity that contrasts with Spike’s more gentle nature.
As the relationship between father and son becomes more and more fractured, Spike takes it upon himself to bring his mother back to the mainland after discovering that there is a doctor there who may have gone insane. The second half of the film is the reverse of the first, with the tenderness between mother and son providing a striking counterpoint. They have their own misadventures, but it is the contrast between both parents makes the movie what it is.
There’s a highly stylized filmmaking approach that Danny Boyle takes for ‘28 Years Later.’ His fast-paced editing intercuts scenes with gory images and old video footage, creating a link between the past and the present. This broken world has been broken before. This is not an unfamiliar world. These dangers, and the means of survival, are nothing new. It makes for a stirring watch – not to mention there are fantastic sequences that are wonderfully cinematic including the traverse through the causeway.
The music by Young Fathers and the exceptional sound design make this world feel visceral and emotional. It never stops, even in its quiet, somber, and tender moments. When they finally meet the doctor (Ralph Fiennes), the story shifts in an unexpected direction and features impressive production design elements that turn the film into a visually stunning cinematic experience.
Taylor-Johnson and Fiennes are amazing, and Williams grounds the film by reminding us that he is portraying a 12-year-old so his choices are less rational and more idealistic. He is an amazing anchor for the film and hits the right buttons. However, it is Jodie Comer who completely steals the spotlight in the latter half of the film, revealing the beautiful heart at the center of this story.
This is not the film I was expecting to see, but I enjoyed every bit of it. It is character-driven, and the world-building is solid as it expands the lore behind the infected. It teases a sequel and there’s talk about a new trilogy to follow starting with this one. I was pleasantly surprised by this film, and I am in it for the rest of the ride.
My Rating:
Witness the evolution of fear and survival. 28 Years Later is now in cinemas. Check showtimes and book your tickets here.
Need a midweek pick-me-up? The cinemas have got you covered. This week’s new movie lineup is all kinds of unexpected in the best way possible. We’re talking space misadventures, post-apocalyptic thrills, a survival horror at sea, and a cheeky curse with a whole lot of heart. There’s Pixar’s cosmic adventure Elio, the chilling return of the rage virus in 28 Years Later, the survival horror Dangerous Animals, and the bold fantasy comedy Flower Girl. Whether you’re in the mood for aliens, apocalyptic tension, shark-infested waters, or a modern-day curse with heart, this week’s lineup brings something exciting for every kind of movie fan.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the four new films you can catch this week:
Disney and Pixar are back with another intergalactic heartwarmer. Meet Elio, a quirky kid with a head full of space fantasies who suddenly finds himself accidentally teleported to a council of aliens convinced he’s Earth’s ambassador.
Awkward? Very. But also hilarious, visually stunning, and surprisingly sweet. With a voice cast that includes Zoe Saldaña and an adventure that spans lightyears, Elio delivers family-friendly laughs and cosmic lessons about identity, courage, and finding your place in the universe.
If you’re still recovering from 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, brace yourself, it’s back.
28 Years Later drops us deep into a new nightmare where the rage virus still haunts what’s left of humanity. A quarantined island offers a fragile kind of peace… until one survivor crosses the causeway back to the mainland, where evolution has taken a horrifying turn. Jodie Comer leads this haunting third chapter in the virus saga, and it’s every bit as chilling, chaotic, and pulse-pounding as fans would expect. Horror fans, prepare for an edge-of-your-seat experience.
Think you’ve seen every survival thriller out there? Think again.
In Dangerous Animals, a carefree surfer is kidnapped by a shark-worshipping serial killer and trapped on a boat in the middle of nowhere. Her only way out? Outsmarting her captor before she becomes bait for his twisted feeding ritual. It’s part ocean terror, part psychological cat-and-mouse, and all heart-racing suspense. If you’re craving tension and high-stakes survival, this horror-thriller brings the bite.
2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 14 mins COMEDY, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
Flower Girl tells the bizarre, magical, and surprisingly tender story of Ena, a self-centered woman who insults the wrong person and ends up cursed in a way she never imagined. Her only shot at breaking it? Finding someone who loves her for who she is… not what she has.
With cheeky humor, vibrant visuals, and standout performances from Sue Ramirez and KaladKaren, Flower Girl is the bold, fantasy-tinged comedy that mixes laughter with a little bit of soul-searching. And yes, you’ll want to talk about it afterwards.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Missed last week’s releases? No worries—these crowd-pleasers are still packing theaters with action, laughs, and heart. Here’s what’s holding strong:
2025 • PG • 2 hrs 7 mins ACTION, FAMILY, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
Ever wondered what it’s like to befriend a dragon? Buckle up for the live-action reboot of a modern animated classic. How to Train Your Dragon whisks you to the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons are sworn enemies. Enter Hiccup (Mason Thames), a young misfit who flips tradition on its head by bonding with Toothless, a sleek Night Fury. This action-packed family fantasy, spiked with humor and heart, stars Nico Parker and Gerard Butler, delivering a tale of courage and connection. It’s one for the whole family, with a few upgrades fans of the original will appreciate. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s a visual feast that’ll leave you soaring. Will Hiccup and Toothless rewrite history?
2025 • PG • 1 hr 41 mins DRAMA, ROMANCE GET SHOWTIMES
What does love look like later in life? Only We Know follows Betty (Charo Santos), a retired English teacher, and Ryan (Dingdong Dantes), a grieving engineer, as they form an unexpected friendship. This tender drama, laced with romance, explores loneliness, healing, and second chances, with Al Tantay adding depth to the cast. It’s a soulful pick for anyone who believes connection can bloom in unlikely places. Will their bond become something more?
2024 • R-16 • 1 hr 49 mins HORROR, MYSTERY GET SHOWTIMES
This week’s lineup is a vibrant cocktail of adventure, scares, and giggles, ready to match any vibe. Whether you’re itching for animated adventures or edge-of-your-seat thrills, this week’s new movie picks offers something worth escaping to. Planning a family movie night? Make Elio your pick. Need a thriller that bites? Dangerous Animals and 28 Years Later have chills in spades. In the mood for something fresh and thought-provoking? Flower Girlbrings the magic. Don’t miss upcoming releases like M3GAN 2.0 (June 27), a sci-fi horror sequel; and F1 (June 27), a Brad Pitt-led racing thriller. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity bookmarked for the latest schedules, your next movie is a click away!
Liam Neeson is stepping out of his usual action-packed roles—and into a pair of very large comedic shoes—as he takes the lead in the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun. Hitting Philippine cinemas on August 13, the new film brings back the beloved slapstick style of the original, this time with Neeson playing Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the iconic detective made famous by Leslie Nielsen.
Fans finally got a sneak peek with the release of the film’s official trailer and poster, giving us a hilarious glimpse into the chaos that awaits.
Watch the New Trailer Now:
A Comedy Classic Returns
Directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and produced by Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy), The Naked Gun brings back the kind of wild, over-the-top parody that made the original a cult classic. But this time, there’s a new Drebin in town—and he’s got his own “particular set of skills.”
Best known for intense roles in films like Taken and The Grey, Neeson has been showing off his comedic timing in recent years with appearances in projects like A Million Ways to Die in the West and Life’s Too Short. Now, as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., he’s fully embracing the absurdity, bringing a fresh (and funny) take to the bumbling detective character that made The Naked Gun a hit in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Will he live up to his father’s name? Or at least survive the explosions, pratfalls, and punchlines? One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be ridiculous fun.
Don’t Miss the Fun on the Big Screen
The Naked Gun makes its way to cinemas across the Philippines starting August 13, and judging from the trailer, it’s going to be one hilariously bumpy ride. Follow the conversation online using #NakedGun and tag @paramountpicsph to share your reactions and favorite moments.
Get ready for crime-fighting gone wrong—very wrong. Because when the Drebins are on the case, nothing is safe… not even the punchlines.
While the first ‘John Wick’ was definitely a surprise, it was a revenge film with great action sequences that elevated the genre while still managing to show a lot of heart. Its sequels only upped the ante with even more fantastic action sequence and expanding an unbelievable world filled with assassins. By the second film, it had already embraced a sense of camp. Seriously, how many assassins can there be? But it never took itself too seriously, fully aware that what it offered was action that pushed the boundaries of what could be done within the genre.
‘Ballerina’ offers more of the same. The story is quite familiar. It’s a revenge tale set in the world of John Wick, promising a lot of hard-hitting action sequences with Ana de Armas front and center as the titular character. The film begins with our main character, Eve (played as a child by Victoria Comte), in hiding with her father (David Castañeda), but they are soon discovered. A major fight breaks out, and Eve learns she is being targeted by a man known as The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). Her parents were once part of a cult, and her father tried to take her away in hopes of giving her a normal life. However, no one leaves the cult. The Chancellor wants her back, but Eve’s father fights to keep her safe. He succeeds, but dies in the process.
Ana de Armas as Eve in Ballerina. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
Taken in by Winston (Ian McShane), she is brought to the Ruska Roma, her father’s “family,” and Eve decides to become one of their assassins and bodyguards. She trains and thrives, but during one assignment, she is attacked by another assassin and notices a tattoo on him that resembles those worn by The Chancellor’s men. When she confronts the head of the Ruska Roma (Anjelica Huston), she is told to stand down, as there is an uneasy truce between their faction and the cult. Naturally, Eve goes rogue to hunt them down and take her revenge.
Ian McShane as Winston and Ana de Armas as Eve in Ballerina. Photo Credit: Larry D. Horricks for Lionsgate
Under the direction of Len Wiseman (of the ‘Underworld’ franchise and ‘Live Free and Die Hard’) and screenwriter Shay Hatten, ‘Ballerina’ doesn’t linger on the emotional aspects, relying instead on clichéd moments. It never truly explores Eve’s relationship with her father or the depth of their connection. These elements are taken for granted. The film also avoids examining the emotional conflict Eve might feel as she becomes a killer. This is not that kind of film. What it does show is the toughness Eve adopts as her past shapes her present: she’s cold-hearted killer who is quick on her feet and can take a punch.
Anjelica Huston as The Director in Ballerina. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate
Len Wiseman is very good with action. He allows us to see the brutality of each fight and frames the scenes so that we get the full range of motion with every punch and kick. It’s bloody, gory, and ruthless. With three other ‘John Wick’ films already released, Wiseman needs to find a way to keep things fresh and surprising, because at some point, it feels like we’ve seen it all. In this story, Ana de Armas’ Eve is not as seasoned as John Wick. She’s only months out of training, so she still makes mistakes. She gets beaten and takes hits, but the training montage early in the film shows us why she can recover so quickly. Sure, there are blows that no one should be able to get up from, but this is a‘John Wick’ movie. Of course they get back up.
Ana de Armas as Eve in Ballerina. Photo Credit: Larry D. Horricks
There is an attempt to frame the movie with a feminist lens. In a training sequence, Eve’s mentor Nogi (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) tells her that she always loses because a man will always have the physical advantage. She advises her to do whatever it takes to win: improvise, cheat, set the terms of the engagement, and never fight on their terms. She tells her to “fight like a girl.” And then, Eve starts to win. What’s funny is that, aside from this one bit of dialogue, we don’t actually see her do anything noticeably different from what she was doing before. Yes, she improvises, but so did John Wick. They even bring in Amy Lee of Evanescence to perform a song called Fight Like a Girl for the closing credits. It’s all fair and fine, but it doesn’t quite deliver the feminist perspective the film seemed to be aiming for.
Norman Reedus as Daniel Pina in Ballerina. Photo Credit: Larry D. Horricks for Lionsgate
What the film does show, however, is how hard Ana de Armas worked to make everything look fun, believable, and thrilling. She moves like a champ, and with the choreography, sound design, and strong performances, she really takes a beating. Yet she gets back up again and keeps going. That, in itself, feels more feminist than any contrived appeal meant to speak directly to the women in the audience.
The plot is pretty by-the-books and rather thin, but we’re not here to watch a film with a serious story. We’re here for the action, and the film delivers on that, hands down. There’s even an extended fight sequence with a flamethrower that turned out to be one of the most cinematic moments I’ve seen in an action film. It genuinely surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, but I had a lot of fun. And I was nervous about Keanu Reeves returning as John Wick, but the way it was written didn’t take anything away from Ana de Armas. Instead, it helped show that Eve is not yet on John Wick’s level, but she could be. And since the film ends with an ellipsis, we know a sequel is likely if this one makes money. I’m all in for it.
My Rating:
Ballerina is now showing, serving up killer moves and nonstop action in the world of John Wick. Catch all the thrills on the big screen. Check showtimes and book your tickets here.
I think anyone who has been following my reviews knows that I’m a big fan of Irene Emma Villamor. Other than that, one movie, I’ve always enjoyed her approach to love stories. She likes to really dig deep and explore the way broken people seem to gravitate to each other; trying to figure out if this relationship would be the one to fix them and as the movie progresses, they discover through each other that there’s still a lot of self-reflection they must do before they can find happiness. Her works always have a measure of violence in them: whether it be emotional (‘Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story’ and ‘On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets’) or the actual threat of danger (‘You and Me and the End of the World’). So, it was my pleasant surprise to find that ‘Only We Know’ to be Direk Irene’s most tender work yet. Out of all her movies – including ‘Ulan’ – this has the warmest heart.
Set in Tagaytay, Betty (Charo Santos) and Ryan (Dingdong Dantes) are neighbours. In the many years that they’ve lived beside each other; they have barely interacted. But as the film begins, Betty retires from her teaching position and is now spending a lot of time at home, tending her garden and painting. Ryan, on the other hand, is still grieving the passing of his wife (Max Collins), and has become reclusive, drinking all the time, and only leaving for work or to buy more spirits. Their first encounter is awkward, but Betty is a nurturing, caring person and she takes it upon herself to invite Ryan to dinner at her place. In each other they find a kindred soul. There’s an emptiness that the other manages to fill and a friendship begins to blossom; one that potentially can lead into something more.
And this is what is so endearing about Villamor’s film. She takes her time to show us Betty and Ryan’s world. The lives that they lead and how the other fills the gaps that their personal stories have put upon them. The film is not concerned about plot. It takes on a slice-of-life narrative, showing us how one’s grief can break someone and how another can ease the longing. While retirement can bring up issues of loneliness and how the other can bring surprises at every turn.
There are cliche elements that are presented – Betty’s best friend Cora (Shamaine Buencamino) wants to set her up, Betty’s ex-husband makes an appearance, the unprocessed grief of Ryan will take its toll, and there’s a medical discovery that tends to follow these sort of storylines – but Villamor skirts around them and never uses them for unnecessary drama or lets it linger.
Her focus is on the complex layers of Betty and Ryan’s friendship and withholds key scenes to make us wonder the true depths of each other’s feelings for the other. By doing so, Villamor turns the audience into the nosy Maritess asking for answers to questions they really have no business to ask. We are made to see the symptoms of their relationship but are never really invited in. It makes the title so much more powerful because what is between them is something only, they know.
By using the film language of the romantic-comedy, Direk Irene leads us to everyday, ordinary expectations from a pairing such as this but then she side-steps to present to us the power and importance of friendship. The expectation of romance is our down doing, reducing their need for companionship to something so basic and banal. Once you’re able to let that go, what you will start to see is how love can be a lot more dynamic than what movies usually present to us.
Other than Villamor’s direction, what else drives this movie forward is the incredible skill of Charo Santos and Dingdong Dantes to make this feel all so real. They completely imbibe their characters that every move, every expression, every line delivery feels so natural and organic. Their chemistry even evolves throughout the film. Their awkward first encounter in the film and first few interactions are just that: awkward, unbalanced, odd. But as they keep meeting, talking, helping each other out, they start to connect, and their chemistry begins to grow. It’s a wonderful thing to see in a movie of this nature where usually the chemistry must be there at the onset. Here, we see it bloom. It’s really a testament to the Santos and Dantes and their commitment to the characters and to the story.
With the absence of dramatic cliches, ‘Only We Know’ is a refreshing story about love and friendship that people don’t quickly understand. It’s wonderfully acted, and it carries with it a beautiful warm heart that’s just perfect for this rainy June.
My Rating:
Catch Only We Know in cinemas now. Don’t miss this touching story. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
Ralph Fiennes is no stranger to commanding roles, but in 28 Years Later, the Oscar-nominated actor brings something hauntingly spiritual to the table. Opening in Philippine cinemas this June 18, this long-awaited follow-up to the post-apocalyptic 28 Days Later saga reintroduces a virus-ravaged world—and Fiennes is right at the heart of it.
“Above All, He’s a Survivor”
Speaking about his new character, Fiennes says Dr. Ian Kelson is “above all, a survivor.” In the film, Kelson clings to a unique mantra—memento mori, or “remember death”—as a way of facing a brutal new reality. “He’s accepted the fact of death – that it’s so present,” Fiennes says. “Rather than run away from it, pretend death doesn’t exist, or live in fear of it, Kelson is honoring death and the dead. In a way, he’s a rather clergy-like figure and a humanist.”
It’s a perspective that’s both eerie and deeply human, perfectly in line with the franchise’s themes of survival, morality, and the thin line between hope and despair.
A Changed World 28 Years Later
Set nearly three decades after the original outbreak, 28 Years Later picks up in a UK left devastated by the rage virus. Most of the country has been laid to waste, but a group of survivors manages to carve out a fragile sanctuary on an isolated island. Their only protection? A causeway that floods for most of the day, keeping the infected at bay—but only just.
It’s in this desperate landscape that Dr. Kelson emerges—a mysterious figure whose appearance is as unforgettable as his ideology.
Watch the Trailer Here:
The Striking Look of a Survivor
To fully inhabit Kelson, Fiennes worked hand-in-hand with production designer Carson McColl and costume designer Gareth Pugh to create a visually impactful first impression. “We had wonderful conversations about Kelson and his world and clothes,” Fiennes recounts. “One of Kelson’s defining traits is that he covers himself in iodine, which is a prophylactic against the rage virus. So, Kelson is covered in reddish-orange iodine, and then we made the decision to have his head shaven, which we thought was a strong look.”
The transformation didn’t stop there. Makeup supervisor Flora Moody helped bring the gritty reality of Kelson’s world to life. “Flora considered what do people look like if they no longer have access to shampoo and makeup,” Fiennes continues. “We all wanted the iodine-shielded figure to look arresting and startling,” Fiennes continues.
And it works—Dr. Kelson is as visually unforgettable as he is philosophically intriguing.
Don’t Miss the Return of the Rage Virus
Directed by Danny Boyle and featuring a cast that includes new and familiar faces – Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Alfie Williams and Jack O’Connell,. 28 Years Later promises intense thrills, emotional depth, and a chilling look at what it means to survive. Fans of the original film and newcomers alike won’t want to miss this terrifying new chapter.
Catch 28 Years Later in Philippine cinemas starting June 18, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.
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