ALTAR BOY

Altar Boy (Sinag Maynila 2025)

Directed by: Serville Poblete

Set in Canada, the film revolves around a Filipino Altar Boy. There’s nothing much to say about his upbringing, his culture, or him being an Altar Boy.

Being a Canadian film, the dialogues are mostly in English. You’ll hear Filipino words from some characters. Church backdrop only lasts for seconds. Then there’s the mention of sisig. All things Pinoy serve as background noises that aren’t really significant to the story.

His life is too uninspiring and uneventful for it to be displayed on the big screen. Even on deaths and celebrations, the direction is consistently flat and boring. Acting department needs a lot of improvement.

Facial expressions and emotions are missing. Perhaps, it’s the perfect reception since you’re apathetic to whatever situation they’re in. You can’t feel anything for the characters. Even though it looks technically decent, everything still feels dry.

The movie sucks the energy out of you and gives nothing worthy in return. Pray to the altar for a refund of money and time wasted.

𝑨𝑳𝑻𝑨𝑹 𝑩𝑶𝒀

Cast: Mark Bacolcol, Shai Barcia, Pablo Quiogue, Emily Beattie, Denzel Brooks, Blake Canning

Written by: Mark Bacolcol

Presented by: ERK Film Productions

Release Date: September 24-30, 2025 for Sinag Maynila

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews