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Markiplier’s ‘Iron Lung’ Fever Hits PH with Fan Screenings Sold Out!

Charged with excitement and fueled by loyal fans, Markiplier’s Iron Lung officially made waves in the Philippines on February 21, debuting in select cinemas at SM Aura Premier, SM City Fairview, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, and SM Megamall.

The result? An overwhelming turnout.

Tickets disappeared quickly, with multiple venues reporting sold-out screenings. Determined not to miss the moment, fans hurried to secure seats, eager to witness the chilling big-screen adaptation of the viral horror game brought to life by the YouTube icon himself.

A Milestone Moment for Longtime Supporters

For many attendees, the fan screening was more than just an early viewing, it was deeply personal.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment, and as his fan since 2012, this is something a fan would love and look forward to.”

While the film’s regular release is slated for February 28, Filipino fans jumped at the opportunity to see it ahead of schedule. After years of following Markiplier’s gaming journey online, they were finally watching him command the big screen, not only as the lead actor but also as director and producer.

It was, for many, a proud full-circle experience.

A Bold Indie Horror Debut

Following the screenings, audiences praised Iron Lung for staying authentic to its indie horror roots. Set largely within the tight confines of a submarine drifting through a blood-red sea, the film thrives on atmosphere, tension, and psychological suspense.

Despite working with a modest budget and marking his first feature-length project as director, Markiplier delivered a gripping cinematic experience that fans described as creative, intense, and refreshingly bold.

Rather than relying on spectacle, the film leans into claustrophobic storytelling, building unease with every sound, shadow, and flicker of light.

Fans Turn Screenings into Celebrations

Outside and inside the cinemas, the energy was undeniable.

Filipino fans showed up in full force, some dressed in cosplay inspired by Markiplier, others carrying themed props and custom-made Iron Lung 3D popcorn buckets. Standees were posed for photos, memes were filmed on the spot, and social media feeds quickly filled with enthusiastic reactions.

It wasn’t just a screening. It was a celebration of community.

One emotional fan shared:

“Believe it or not, he is my hero! That’s why it’s a big deal for me that Markiplier did this movie as the director, producer, you name it, and a major bonus is that he also stars in it as Simon. As a fan, it is a proud moment witnessing this milestone. I’ve watched him for years on my PC and phone as a YouTuber, and now seeing him as a director and actor on the big screen is a proud and truly special moment for me.”

Heartfelt and sincere, reactions like this echoed throughout the theaters.

Loud, Proud, and All In

From enthusiastic cheers to playful impressions and viral-ready content, Filipino fans embraced the moment wholeheartedly. Their support was vibrant, their excitement unmistakable.

Indeed, the message rang clear: “You right, Philippines!”

Catch IRON LUNG in PH Cinemas Starting February 25

Ready to feel the tension rise?

Step inside the submarine and prepare for an intense, heart-pounding journey into the unknown. With its gripping atmosphere and focused storytelling, Iron Lung offers a horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Don’t miss it in Philippine cinemas beginning February 25.

For updates and announcements, follow Encore Films Philippines on social media.

_{Photo and Video credit: Encore Films Philippines}

February 23, 2026
Ghostface Targets Sidney’s Daughter in ‘Scream 7’: Watch the “Like Mother, Like Daughter” Featurette Now
Just when she thought it was over… the nightmare begins again.

Ghostface resurfaces in Scream 7, and this time, the terror strikes closer than ever. With Sidney Prescott’s daughter in the killer’s crosshairs, the stakes turn deeply personal in the latest chapter of the iconic horror franchise, arriving in cinemas on February 25.

Ahead of its theatrical release, fans can get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the emotional core of the film through the newly released “Like Mother, Like Daughter” featurette.

A Haunting Legacy Reignites

Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has fought tirelessly to reclaim her life. Far removed from Woodsboro’s chaos, she has built a quiet existence focused on family and healing. But peace is fragile.

When a new Ghostface killer emerges in her small town, the horror reignites. Worse still, Sidney’s daughter, played by Isabel May, becomes the next target. Suddenly, survival is no longer just about Sidney, it’s about protecting the next generation.

In the featurette, Campbell and May reflect on their compelling mother-daughter dynamic. Their bond feels authentic, tender, and charged with underlying fear. After everything Sidney has endured, watching history threaten to repeat itself adds a chilling emotional weight to the story.

And just like that, the past refuses to stay buried.

Kevin Williamson Brings the Franchise Full Circle

In a powerful return, franchise co-creator Kevin Williamson directs Scream 7. Known for shaping the razor-sharp tone and self-aware tension of the original film, Williamson steps behind the camera to guide this bold new installment.

The screenplay, written by Kevin Williamson and Guy Busick, with a story by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, promises suspense, smart twists, and the brutal intensity fans have come to expect. Familiar yet refreshingly urgent, this chapter honors the franchise’s roots while raising the stakes to thrilling new heights.

An Ensemble Packed With Talent

Joining Neve Campbell and Isabel May is a dynamic cast that blends returning favorites with exciting new additions:
- Courteney Cox
- Jasmin Savoy Brown
- Mason Gooding
- Anna Camp
- Joel McHale
- Mckenna Grace
- Michelle Randolph
- Jimmy Tatro
- Asa Germann
- Celeste O’Connor
- Sam Rechner
- Ethan Embry
- Tim Simons
- Mark Consuelos
Produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein, Scream 7 continues the legacy of characters originally created by Kevin Williamson, proving that some stories refuse to end quietly.

The Terror Comes Home

What makes Scream 7 especially gripping is its emotional urgency. Sidney isn’t just facing a masked killer; she’s confronting the possibility that her daughter may inherit the trauma she fought so hard to survive.

A quiet town shattered. A family pushed to the brink. A relentless Ghostface determined to make history repeat itself.

As fear closes in and the body count rises, Sidney must once again summon every ounce of strength to stop the bloodshed, once and for all.

Prepare for the Ultimate Horror Event

Sharp, suspenseful, and fiercely emotional, Scream 7 promises a bloody good time for longtime fans and newcomers alike. The phone is ringing. The mask is back. And the past is calling.

Catch Scream 7 when it slashes into cinemas on February 25.

About Scream 7

Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group Present

Synopsis:
When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter (Isabel May) becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.

Produced By: William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein
Based on Characters Created By: Kevin Williamson
Story By: James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick
Screenplay By: Kevin Williamson and Guy Busick
Directed By: Kevin Williamson

#Scream7 @paramountpicsph
February 23, 2026
THEATER REVIEW: Teatro Meron’s ‘Waiting for Godot’

There’s something so urgent and real about staging Waiting for Godot at this time in the Philippines, and in the world. Ron Capinding, the director of Teatro Meron’s production of Samuel Beckett’s play, spoke about the timelessness of classics and how a great classic play can always be restaged because what it says about humanity and the human condition remains true. But there is something visceral about the timing of this production, which carries the subtitle “A tragicomedy in two acts.” Its philosophical rumination and its promise of a tomorrow that never comes feels so painfully true in this day and age.

Called “the most significant English-language play of the twentieth century” by a 1998 poll conducted by the Royal National Theater in London, Beckett’s play follows Vladimir and Estragon, two aging men who are hungry, thirsty, and suffering all kinds of ailments.

Teatro Meron’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot | Photo by: Reamur A. David

They pass the time talking about their troubles and how they are waiting for a man named Godot, a person they do not recall ever meeting nor are they sure that he will come.

Teatro Meron’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot | Photo by: Reamur A. David

Their conversation is interrupted by Pozzo, a man with a slave called Lucky, who is tied to a rope. Pozzo plans to sell Lucky at the market but allows him one grandiose moment of performance before leaving Vladimir and Estrago behind. Leaving the two leads behind, still waiting for Godot, who never comes.

Teatro Meron’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot | Photo by: Reamur A. David

More happens, of course, with witty banter and slapstick comedy, but Waiting for Godot is famous for it being a story about waiting for something that never comes. Once immediately believed Godot as a metaphor for God, but Beckett has refuted this many times, though he later admitted there might have been some subconscious impulse that pushed him to use that word; though the play is an adaptation of his own French play so the word is French in origin. The idea is in the act of waiting itself. Beckett has been known to feel frustrated by people trying to make the play overcomplicated than it is, by ascribing more meaning than what is there.

Teatro Meron’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot | Photo by: Reamur A. David

The set design by Tata Tuviera transforms the stage into a barren ruin, with a solitary dead tree a little off-center. The backdrop, painted to look post-apocalyptic (or perhaps post-war) so it adds upon the sense of hopelessness and despair surrounding Vladimir and Estragon’s waiting.

Teatro Meron’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot | Photo by: Reamur A. David

Played by Tarek El Tayech and JJ Ignacio respectively, the two leads are rather eloquent even at their most tired and they have the capacity for wit. But they are at their wit’s end as they have no direction, no purpose but to wait for someone they aren’t even sure is coming.

Teatro Meron’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot | Photo by: Reamur A. David

Though one character does come, a boy, portrayed by Yael Ledesma, who tells them that Godot is coming, but we all know the truth: he isn’t.

Teatro Meron’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot

Tayech and Ignacio are incredibly gifted. Their comic timing is impeccable, and their chemistry brings out the textured dynamics of their relationship to come into play. They believably make us feel like they are old and tired, and I’ve seen Tayech in more vibrant roles, and his range here is remarkable. Rounding out the cast, John Bernard Sanchez and Lenard Tiongson as Pozzo and Lucky, respectively, also have such strong presence onstage that when their characters come in and intrude into the nothingness of Vladimir and Estragon’s conversations, the stage becomes awash with this electricity. Sanchez plays a wonderful contrast to Tayech and Ignacio, his Pozzo is full of life and bravado while Tiongson’s Lucky is a terrifying force. He remains completely unmoving – I don’t think he even blinked – and only moved when ordered. And when he performs, it’s a maelstrom of movement and voice that is filled with the kinetic energy that feels let loose like water from a dam breaking. Together, the four of them onstage create such humor that we are taken out of the moment of nothingness so that when Pozzo and Lucky leave and Vladimir and Estragon are back again where they started, the absence of that energy is palpable. The tragedy is made clear and evident.

Teatro Meron’s staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot | Photo by: Reamur A. David

Capinding’s direction made me reflect on us, poor ordinary Filipinos, constantly waiting for something that never comes. The bleak, desolate backdrop made me think of our country, for some reason or another, barren and destroyed by undelivered promises. It’s ironic and hilarious at the same time, because the play was performed exactly as written, yet the convergence of the actors, setting, and the moment pulled me back to myself and my own reality.

Waiting for Godot is truly an incredible play, and this production brings out the best of it. It will make you laugh while watching and then leave you thinking deeply long after you’ve left the theater as you head home.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Don’t miss this brilliant production of Waiting for Godot! Catch it live until March 1 at the Special Exhibition Hall, The Mind Museum. Grab your tickets now at Ticket2Me and experience the laughter, the wit, and the unforgettable wait.

February 23, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: Crime 101

There’s something slick and glossy about writer-director Bart Layton’s adaptation of Don Winslow’s novella Crime 101. From its opening shot of Los Angeles at night, with all the city lights and cars on the 101 freeway, yet upside down, with the sky beneath and the city right on top. It’s a gorgeous, disorienting shot that creates tension. A woman’s voice narrates the usual meditation spiel (or later revealed to be part of a yoga practice). The two elements – the upside-down city and the meditation – contrasts to create an interesting effect. It sets us up for the crime thriller Crime 101.

Crime 101 is an ensemble piece that follows three characters – Mike (Chris Hemsworth), Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo), and Sharon (Halle Berry) – whose lives intersect through a crime. Mike is a thief who plans untraceable robberies of insured items and jewels. He strikes along the 101 Freeway while ensuring that no one gets hurt. He is methodical, cautious, and as a person, very lonely. Lou is a cop who comes across as someone who seems past his prime. He’s always unkempt, no one respects him anymore, and his theory about the robberies along the 101 Freeway goes unheeded in the force. Sharon works at an insurance company serving the wealthiest clientele. She’s a vice-president at the company, but her promotion to partner is impeded by the old boy’s network. Their worlds collide when issues in their personal lives force urgency putting Sharon in the crosshairs of Mike while Lou finally finds a clue that can lead him to Mike.

Crime 101 Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) and Sharon (Halle Berry) in CRIME 101 | Photo Credit: Merrick Morton

What’s exciting about Layton’s direction is how he takes his time to establish the world, allowing us to get to know these characters and painting a portrait of a society bereft of integrity and decency. Lou is looked down upon by the rest of the force because of his old-school ways and values. Through his perspective, we see the rot within the police force and their own corruption. Sharon becomes a victim of a patriarchal system that undervalues women and their place in the corporate hierarchy, as well as being witness to the vulgar value systems of the extremely wealthy. These two storylines are meant to serve as a contrast to Mike’s own sense of honour and code. His methods are precise and deliberate, ensuring that no one gets hurt and only insured items are taken, so in theory, no one is meant to suffer a great loss. But of course, we also see how the insurance companies, through Sharon, do their best to get away from paying their clients.

Davis (Chris Hemsworth, right) and Lou (Mark Ruffalo, left) in CRIME 101

Layton uses clever editing techniques and vibrant mise-en-scene to link the three characters. A single motion from one character often cuts to another finishing the action, creating a semblance of inevitability. The film’s pace moves slowly to build the world and raise the stakes so that we sense that when these three collide, the impact will be explosive.

Crime 101 Tillman (Corey Hawkins, left) and Lou (Mark Ruffalo, right) in CRIME 101 | Photo Credit: Merrick Morton

Urgency is amplified when Mike starts to lose his nerve and cancels a hit, which his fence (Nick Nolte) is not happy about. He hands over the assignment to a fiery, unpredictable biker (Barry Keoghan), who is later ordered to follow Mike and rob him after his next gig.

Crime 101 Barry Keoghan stars as Ormon in CRIME 101 | Photo Credit: Dean Roger

While this is happening, Mike meets Maya (Monica Barbero), who catches his eye and tries to start a relationship with her while Lou is separating from his wife (Jennifer Jason Leigh). The events fuel the narrative to an explosive 30-minute finale, where Mike makes his final score, and everything is on the line.

Crime 101 Chris Hemsworth stars as Davis in CRIME 101 | Photo Credit: Merrick Morton

Honestly, this kind of movie might have worked better if it came out fifteen years ago. The Robin Hood angle of its protagonist no longer feels apt in our current global crisis of civilization decay. The narrative encourages us to cheer for Mike because he only targets the rich, to cheer for Lou because he’s a good cop, and to cheer for Sharon because she’s been treated unfairly and she deserves her flowers but at the heart of all this is a crime. We’re meant to excuse them because all the rich people in the film are despicable and I suppose we are to take a nuanced approach to the narrative but another wrong does not make it right.

Crime 101 Halle Berry stars as Sharon in CRIME 101 | Photo Credit: Merrick Morton

Perhaps fifteen years ago, when the illusion of a civilized world meant we could fantasize about a Robin Hood-like character coming in to mess with the rich but that isn’t justice. And Crime 101 paints a world without justice, and it feels so bleak. I loved the performances, Layton’s direction, and the way he subtly critiques the overwhelming number of cars in Los Angeles and how unhealthy it is – bright lights constantly moving on the 101 freeway that all I could think about is the pollution and how unfriendly it is to commuters – but I came out of the theater feeling empty. I couldn’t cheer for these characters. The film moved me, but it didn’t give me the justice I had been hoping it would deliver.

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Thrills, crime, and high-stakes chaos await, watch Crime 101 on the big screen and feel the tension unfold. Check showtimes here.

February 21, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: Hamnet

Coming into Hamnet without knowing anything about it left me for a loop. I hadn’t even seen the trailer, so coming in blind left me unprepared for the emotional onslaught of Chloe Zhao’s incredible direction, her moving screenplay (co-written with Maggie O’Farrell, based on her novel), and the breathtakingly brilliant Jessie Buckley in the lead role as Agnes. This is a love story, but it’s not a romantic film. It’s about a mother’s love, and how grief can tear us apart, and the healing power of art.

Agnes is known in town as a witch. Her mother taught her incantations and the power of herbs, and she possesses what seems like a supernatural gift. She’s of marrying age, but everyone is afraid of her except for her sibling’s tutor, William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), who finds her absolutely fascinating. He courts her, they fall in love, and they have three children. She raises them while William heads to London to make a name for himself as a playwright. When tragedy strikes, grief tears the couple apart. The love that was once so strong at the beginning has been turned into resentment as grief speaks for her. What is William to do but write a play in the hope that he can find some measure of peace.

Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare in director Chloé Zhao’s HAMNET, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

Zhao is unafraid to bring us so close to her actor’s being, using a lot of handheld shots to capture every inch, every nuance of Buckley’s and Mescal’s faces, as well as those of their three children (played by Olivia Lynes, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, and the magnificent Jacobi Jupe). We bear witness to all their joy and sadness, their fears and hopes. Their entire being seems to be in full view for us to see. This amplifies the love story that brought Agnes and William together and to start a family, but it also shows us the way that grief can destroy us as well.

Jacobi Jupe stars as Hamnet, Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Susanna and Olivia Lynes as Judith in director Chloé Zhao’s HAMNET, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

But then Zhao and cinematographer Lukasz Zal also zoom out to show us the immensity of the woods, where Agnes feels most at home. There’s a sense of place and time that really impresses upon us the ways by which Agnes is a force of nature, and that her love for her husband and children has tempered her. The countryside landscape is lush and gorgeous, while London is dark, dirty, and cramped. The world William lives in away from his family is almost always devoid of light, though it is where he has found his fortune.

Actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal with director Chloé Zhao on the set of their film HAMNET, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

Mescal is good, but he’s merely playing supporting role to Buckley’s Agnes. As mentioned earlier, she’s a force of nature, and we see all of her, from a raw, and unfettered scene of her giving birth to calm and peaceful moments of teaching her children the secrets of the woods. We watch her fall in love with a man who is unafraid of her, the entirety of her, and we watch her crumble and break under the greatest loss one can endure. I was so sure Renate Reinsve of Sentimental Value would win the Best Actress at this year’s Oscar, but now I understand why Buckley is the frontrunner for that category.

Jessie Buckley stars as Agnes and Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew in director Chloé Zhao’s HAMNET, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

As the film’s title suggests – and as a written prologue at the start of the film makes clear – we are shown an interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. The way that it is used in this film, with the added layers of this story, creates a whole new texture for the play and adds a powerful emotional punch that had me in tears by the end of the film, aided by Max Richter’s indelible musical score.

Noah Jupe stars as Hamlet, Jessie Buckley as Agnes and Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew in director Chloé Zhao’s HAMNET, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

This is a powerhouse of a movie, and not one I would imagine would be best for Valentine’s Day or the month of hearts. But it does show the power of love and art in being able to deal with grief and loss. It’s a film that will leave you looking for someone to embrace afterward. Once again, it’s a showcase for Chloe Zhao’s wonderful direction and Jessie Buckley’s onscreen magnetism. We are going to see much more of her in the years to come.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Step into a world of love, grief, and unforgettable storytelling, watch Hamnet in theaters and experience Jessie Buckley’s powerhouse performance and Chloe Zhao’s breathtaking direction firsthand. Check showtimes here.

February 20, 2026
Be First to See “Solo Mio” at Ayala Malls Cinemas’ Exclusive Early Access Night on February 21
Something exciting is landing on the big screen a little earlier than expected.

Ayala Malls Cinemas is rolling out the red carpet for an exclusive Early Access screening of “Solo Mio” on Saturday, February 21 at 6:30 PM, happening at Glorietta, TriNoma, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Moviegoers will get the special opportunity to see the film ahead of its nationwide release across all Ayala Malls Cinemas on February 25.

Yes, you read that right—first dibs on the laughter, the feels, and the unforgettable Italian escape.

From Wedding Woes to an Italian Getaway

Headlined by international comedy star Kevin James, “Solo Mio” follows the story of Matt, a groom whose wedding day takes a heartbreaking turn when his fiancée unexpectedly calls it off.

Left with a prepaid honeymoon in Italy, Matt makes a bold decision—he goes anyway. What begins as a solo trip soon transforms into a surprisingly uplifting journey filled with charming encounters, comedic mishaps, and heartfelt realizations.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Italy’s picturesque streets and scenic coastlines, the film blends humor with warmth, reminding audiences that sometimes life’s detours lead to the most meaningful adventures.

Turn It Into a “Saturdate” Celebration

Why wait for midweek plans when you can make your Saturday night truly spectacular?

Whether you’re heading out with friends, planning a romantic evening, or treating yourself to a well-deserved break, “Solo Mio” offers the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud moments and feel-good storytelling. It’s light, it’s refreshing, and it’s wonderfully relatable.

And of course, every cinematic experience deserves the right pairing.

Savor the Moment at The Movie Snackbar

Complete your Italian-inspired movie night with delightful treats from The Movie Snackbar. From savory bites to indulgent sweets and refreshing beverages, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Settling into comfortable seats, snack in hand, as Italy unfolds on screen—it’s a simple pleasure that feels absolutely rewarding.

Secure Your Seats Early

The Early Access screening begins at 6:30 PM on February 21, exclusively at:
- Glorietta
- TriNoma
- Ayala Malls Manila Bay
The film opens in all Ayala Malls Cinemas on February 25, but this limited screening offers fans the exciting chance to see it first.

Don’t miss out—reserve your tickets now at www.sureseats.com.

For updates on exclusive screenings and upcoming releases, follow Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram.
February 20, 2026
‘Reminders of Him’ Comes to Life: Colleen Hoover’s Heartfelt Story Hits the Big Screen on March 11
A Global Literary Sensation Comes to Life

From bookstore shelves to cinema screens, Reminders of Him is making an extraordinary leap. First published in 2022, Colleen Hoover’s emotionally charged novel has sold more than six million copies in the United States alone and has been translated into 45 languages. Now, the story that captured millions of hearts is reimagined as a feature film set to open in Philippine cinemas on March 11.

Tender yet powerful, the adaptation explores motherhood, forgiveness, and the resilient strength of love in the face of unimaginable loss.

A Visionary All-Female Creative Team

Bringing this poignant story to life is an all-female filmmaking team led by director Vanessa Caswill, whose sensitive storytelling anchors the film’s emotional depth. The screenplay is penned by Lauren Levine and Colleen Hoover herself, ensuring that the spirit of the novel remains intact while embracing the cinematic form.

The film stars:
- Maika Monroe as Kenna
- Tyriq Withers
- Laren Graham
- Bradley Whitford
With a cast this compelling, the adaptation promises layered performances that echo the raw honesty of the book.

A Devastating Mistake and a Long Road Home

At the heart of Reminders of Him is Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe). What begins as a seemingly perfect outing with her boyfriend takes a tragic turn—one irreversible mistake sending her to prison.

Seven years later, newly released, Kenna returns to a community that refuses to forget. Determined but vulnerable, she attempts to rebuild her life from the ground up. Most importantly, she hopes to reconnect with her daughter, Diem—a child she has never had the chance to know.

Yet forgiveness does not come easily. Trust must be earned. And as Kenna fights to prove she has changed, the film tenderly asks whether love can truly heal even the deepest wounds.

Inspired by Real Conversations

The idea for Reminders of Him began with Hoover’s younger sister, who was studying prison reform in graduate school. Their conversations left a lasting impression.

“We talked a lot about what people go through after they get out,” Hoover says. “She was so passionate about it that it stayed with me. After one of those conversations, I felt compelled to write about a woman whose life is shaped by a tragedy that sends her to prison, and what it means to try to rebuild her life after she is released.”

From those discussions emerged Kenna—a flawed yet deeply human mother fighting for redemption.

Hoover’s own experiences shaped the emotional core of the story.

“My experiences as a mom influenced this story a lot,” Hoover says. “I was immediately drawn to Kenna and her longing to be part of her daughter’s life. I cannot imagine having a child and not being able to be in their life.”

A Deeply Personal Adaptation

Producer and co-writer Lauren Levine immediately recognized the cinematic potential of the novel.

“When we worked on Confess, Colleen came to set and immediately stood out for how instinctively she understands film and television,” Levine says. “Every question I asked was met with an answer that pushed the material further. Over time, we developed a great creative shorthand. When I read Reminders of Him, I ended up in a puddle of tears, which does not happen often to me. I called Colleen right away and said, ‘I think this is a movie.”

Having previously collaborated on Confess, Levine admired Hoover’s instinctive understanding of visual storytelling.

Throughout production, Hoover remained closely involved in refining the screenplay.

“I did not anticipate rewriting as much as I did,” Hoover says. “But being there every day meant I could see immediately when something was not working, or when Vanessa or the actors had questions. We could talk through it and adjust in the moment. That responsiveness became one of the most rewarding parts of the process for me.”

The result is a film adaptation shaped with care, collaboration, and authenticity.

Love, Loss, and the Hope of Second Chances

While tragedy sets the story in motion, love sustains it. The film thoughtfully explores the many forms love can take—between parent and child, between romantic partners, and among friends bound by loyalty and shared pain.

Hoover reflects:

“I have always been drawn to stories that tell the truth and still leave room for tenderness,” Hoover says. “Stories that make you feel everything all at once. This one lives in the messiness of love and the aftermath of tragedy, but it also believes in connection. It believes that even when nothing comes easily, people can still find their way back to themselves, and to each other.”

In that belief lies the film’s quiet power. Even when reconciliation seems impossible, even when the past casts a long shadow, hope remains.

Catch It in Cinemas on March 11

Emotional, resonant, and ultimately uplifting, Reminders of Him arrives in Philippine cinemas on March 11. Fans of the novel—and newcomers alike—can expect a moving cinematic experience that lingers long after the final scene.

Some stories stay with you forever. This is one of them.

Stay updated by following: Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
February 20, 2026
Love, Style, and Performance: Converse Spring 2026 Sets the Tone

Spring 2026 is set to make a statement with Converse, as the brand brings together heritage, heart, and performance in a fresh lineup of releases. From celebrating love in all its forms to reimagining classic silhouettes for modern street style and pushing the boundaries of basketball innovation, Converse continues to prove why it remains at the forefront of self-expression and culture.

This season, the spotlight shines on the playful Chucks in Love collection, the minimalist versatility of the Chuck Taylor Lo, and the duality of style and performance with Converse x Shai SHAI 001 colorways: ‘Ares Gray’ and ‘Clean Slate’. Each collection offers a unique take on Converse DNA, blending design innovation with the brand’s timeless spirit.

Celebrate All Forms of Love This Valentine’s Day With Chucks in Love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance. For Spring 2026, Converse celebrates love in all its forms with the Chucks in Love collection, honoring romantic connections, close friendships, family bonds, and everyday self-love through playful, expressive design.

Built on classic Chuck DNA, the collection introduces heart-shaped detailing, embroidered text, statement stitching, quirky shoe charms, and bold, feel-good patterns that add personality to timeless silhouettes. Each pair stays true to the icon’s heritage while offering thoughtful updates designed to spark joy and self-expression in everyday wear.

The lineup spans adults’ and kids’ styles, making it easy to gift, match, or treat yourself. From elevated platform styles to easy-on options for little ones, every design balances comfort and character, ensuring love is on display from every angle, whether it’s worn on a casual day out or styled as a Valentine’s statement.

New SHAI 001 Colorways

Converse Basketball continues its evolution with two new SHAI 001 colorways, reinforcing the shoe’s dual role as a performance-first basketball silhouette and a style-forward statement. Designed in collaboration with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, each release reflects his influence as both elite athlete and Creative Director of Converse Basketball.

CLEAN SLATE introduces a crisp, triple-white execution rooted in themes of renewal and fresh beginnings. Minimal by design and bold in intent, the colorway strips the silhouette back to its essentials, serving as a canvas for reinvention. Like every SHAI 001, it is built for movement on and off the court, combining precision performance technology with a refined, modern aesthetic. The Converse SHAI 001 CLEAN SLATE launches on February 14 at 10:00 AM Philippine time.

Together, these colorways deepen the connection between Shai and Converse while reinforcing the brand’s role in shaping modern basketball culture, championing individuality, creativity, and a new way to do sport. Both SHAI 001 colorways are available exclusively at Converse Glorietta and select Foot Locker branches.

A Fresh Low-Profile Take on the Chuck Taylor Lo

The Chuck Taylor Lo introduces a streamlined, low-profile silhouette that offers a new perspective on the iconic Chuck. Drawing from Converse’s heritage and sports-style pedigree, the design pairs clean lines and modern proportions with timeless details that define the Chuck legacy.

Built for versatility, the Chuck Taylor Lo features a double-lasted outsole that hugs the ground for a sleek, grounded stance. Beneath its refined exterior, concealed comfort layers, including a lightweight foam midsole and sculpted sockliner, support all-day wear. Premium materials, such as suede uppers and padded leather heel collars, add subtle texture and depth to the silhouette.

Signature Chuck elements remain intact, from the rubber toe cap and winged stitching to All Star branding at the heel and tongue. Finished with punched eyelets, an overaged eyelet row, and two sets of laces for customizable styling, the Chuck Taylor Lo offers a quieter, more minimal expression of self-expression, designed to move seamlessly from everyday wear to nights out.

From expressive Valentine’s styles to refined streetwear silhouettes and performance-driven basketball innovation, Converse’s Spring 2026 lineup reflects a brand that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its heritage. Across every collection, Converse invites wearers to move, express, and define style on their own terms.

Converse is available in Powerplant mall, select Ayala Malls, SM Malls, Robinsons Department Stores. For more information, visit www.converse.ph.

February 20, 2026
Prime Video Series Review: Cross Season 2 (First 3 Episodes)

What I enjoyed about the first season of Cross, is that we get a powerful, intelligent Black man, Alex Cross (Aldis Hodge), who is competent in every way as a homicide detective but is constantly under duress from not having properly dealt with his grief. There’s an amazing supporting cast around him, including his best friend John (Isaiah Sampson), a whip-smart FBI agent, Kayla (Alona Tai), his grandmother (Juanita Jennings), and a whole cadre of compelling characters. With the first season allowing Alex Cross to face his personal demons while solving and catching a serial killer, we see him close one chapter of his life, including accepting and letting go of his murdered wife, while also hurting and losing a wonderful woman in the process, Elle (Samantha Walkes).

In the first three episodes of the new season, Alex is asked to join Kayla to catch a person who sent a deadly threat to a billionaire, Lance Durand (Matthew Lillard); unaware that the person they are after is connected to a serial killer, whose targets are billionaires who are trafficking immigrant children for illegal child labor. The series shows us both Cross, Kayla, and John hunting down a suspect while simultaneously showing us the true perpetrator, Rebecca and Donnie (Jeanine Mason and Wes Chatham, respectively). Rebecca is on a mission of revenge against these billionaires, and her war is a righteous one. As Cross inches closer and closer to finding out about Rebecca, the show is allowing us to get to know her, her motivations and her backstory.

Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross & Alona Tal as Kayla Craig. Photo Courtesy of Ian Watson/Prime Video

Very light, ambiguous spoilers follow:

Within the first three episodes, we see John dealing with his biological mother, who gave him up as a child, after she’s arrested for a crime. Elle and Alex are now broken up, but she remains in their lives while Nana Mama is absent. We also get a larger role for my favourite character on the show, Kayla. She’s in deep trouble over an off-the-books operation and is being set up as the fall guy.

L-R Matthew Lillard as Lance Durand, Lou Jurgens as Nat Gancarz, Alona Tal as Kayla Craig, Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross. Photo Courtesy of Ian Watson/Prime Video

There’s a lot of story threads playing out this season, and because Cross has managed to clean up a lot of his loose ends from last season, he feels more like a support character to the other players. We see things from his point of view, which is very interesting. He remains the lead and continues to carry the show, but he’s also there to help the others shine, even as he deals with his lingering issues with Elle.

Elle Monteiro (Samantha Walkes), Alex Cross (Aldis Hodge)

In fact, the love story between him and Elle is the least interesting storyline at play. Elle’s reason is justified and because of last season’s climactic ending, she remains part of the family and someone Cross’ kids trust. With Nana Mama out of the picture, Elle steps in as the house sitter, which adds to Cross’ confusion. Three episodes in, and it’s the slowest part of the show. Mustafa is a fantastic actor, and he makes John such a solid character that I wish the subplot involving his mother is fully utilized.

My favourite character is Kayla, though, and now that she has a bigger role in season 2, I’m eager to see the full range of her character’s complexity. She’s highly competent and very able but it seems she has often been sidelined in favor of her male counterparts. She’s shown that her morality bends, especially when you take into account how she dealt with Bobby Trey (Johnny Ray Gill) last season. Her connection with Cross runs much deeper than initially hinted at and is touched upon in episode three and I’d really like to see how they flesh out her character more.

Richard Helvig (Geoffrey Pounsett), Rebecca Luz (Jeanine Mason)

The main crime that we’re following though – the one involving Rebecca and Donnie – feels so on point. While the trafficked children are being exploited for child labor, which is both horrible and illegal, one can’t read into it as something similar to the political upheaval that is happening in the United States regarding the Epstein Files. The fact that Rebecca is targeting billionaires makes the links more solid that, as an audience member, you’re kind of on her side. You’re eager to see how Cross is going to navigate this particular dilemma, especially as the show positions Lillard’s Lance Durand as a two-faced spoiled billionaire. A lot of the good stuff from season one is carrying over and none of the baggage, so this is going to be a fun season.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Binge Cross Season 2 now and see why Wanggo gives it 4 out of 5 stars. With gripping twists, complex characters, and a crime plot that keeps you guessing, this is a season you won’t want to miss, stream it now on Prime Video.

February 20, 2026
Taiwan’s Blockbuster Horror ‘Mudborn’ Brings a Cursed Clay Doll to PH Cinemas This March 18

A nursery rhyme has never sounded this terrifying.

Taiwan’s No. 1 supernatural horror blockbuster, Mudborn, is set to send shivers through Philippine cinemas beginning March 18. Brought to local audiences by Encore Films Philippines, this horror-mystery-thriller sensation promises a gripping cinematic experience that echoes long after the final scene.

Because sometimes, the scariest stories start with a song.

A Doll That Should Have Been Left Behind

At the heart of Mudborn is Hsu-Chuan (Yo Yang), a VR game developer who unknowingly carries home more than just a souvenir from a haunted attraction—a broken clay baby doll.

What appears harmless at first quickly turns unsettling.

His pregnant wife, Muhua (Cecilia Choi), an artifact conservator with a meticulous eye for restoration, becomes increasingly captivated by the doll. Piece by piece, she repairs it. Crack by crack, she restores its fragile form.

Yet with every careful touch, something ancient and sinister seems to awaken.

Soon, inexplicable events begin to plague their home. Shadows linger too long. Whispers echo without source. A presence—unseen yet undeniable—tightens its hold on their lives.

Desperate and terrified, the couple seeks the help of a psychic exorcist to uncover the truth. What they discover is far more horrifying than they imagined: a forbidden curse bound to a haunting nursery rhyme and a malevolent spirit desperate to claim a human host.

Watch the Trailer here:

The Sinister Secret Behind the Rhyme

Director SHIEH Meng-ju found inspiration in an unlikely place—a familiar children’s rhyme. When asked whether a mysterious story lay hidden within its lyrics, the idea immediately fascinated him.

As he examined each line more closely, the innocence began to unravel.

“The clay baby doll has eyes but doesn’t blink” and “It’s actually not a real doll”

Suddenly, the words felt different—darker, heavier, more disturbing. From this eerie reinterpretation, SHIEH shaped Mudborn into a chilling tale told through the perspective of a clay baby doll possessed by an evil spirit seeking rebirth.

By transforming something nostalgic into something nightmarish, the film taps into a deeply unsettling fear: what if the things we once trusted were never truly harmless?

A Haunting That Lingers

Blending supernatural horror with psychological tension, Mudborn builds dread with precision. It is not merely about what is seen—but what is sensed, what is whispered, what is waiting.

Atmospheric and relentless, the film delivers powerful scares while exploring themes of obsession, motherhood, and the unseen forces that bind the living to the dead.

And when the lights come back on?

The rhyme remains.

Horror fans across the Philippines are invited to witness Taiwan’s most talked-about supernatural blockbuster when Mudborn opens in cinemas nationwide on March 18.

Prepare for a chilling experience where innocence turns ominous—and a simple rhyme becomes a curse.

For more chilling updates and releases, visit Encore Films Philippines on Facebook and @encorefilmsph on Instagram.

February 19, 2026