EDJOP

EDJOP (2026)

Directed by: Katski Flores

With numerous scenes dispersed throughout, Edjop becomes more of a puzzle piece than a realized person. He remains to be a concept — as how the film describes him.

The switching of timelines is initially smooth. It actually makes you more focused on the film, because you don’t want to miss anything as it goes back and forth. Eventually, it can get exhausting and the transitions become whimsical. It feels like it can switch anytime regardless of the situation.

The film is heavily reliant on the narration and the year stamps to hold the scenes together.

Relationships unfold in flashes rather than through gradually developing moments. Extreme emotions, whether love or hate, only creates a little impact because of the lack of proper buildup.

Most actors appear for a few seconds, only to disappear afterwards. Some names are being called even without introducing them. Some characters choose to stand for a cause, which is admirable. However, their motivations and upbringing could have been explored further to give their choices more weight.

There are meaningful changes in the characters, but the film rushes through them. Without enough time to shape their journeys, character growth and development don’t land as satisfyingly as intended.

It’s easy to believe Elijah Canlas as someone who holds such strong ideals and principles. It comes naturally to him. There’s constant boldness and fire in his portrayal.

You can place Jodi Sta. Maria anywhere, at any moment, and she remains completely in control. She dives into different emotions and fully lives in each one. With her expressive face and provocative lines, she can turn any philosophical thought into a relatable one.

Jodi and Elijah’s good performances come as no surprise, because it’s already expected of them. It is actually Kakie Pangilinan who proves to be a revelation.

She carries herself with a solemn and dignified presence. Her deep voice works to her advantage, lending sincerity and groundedness to the lines she delivers. She shows great promise, making her someone worth watching out for in future films.

All the actors are good, but the words they utter remain to be the film’s strongest suit. The words become swords — an inspiring weapon to continue the fight and to awaken one’s soul.

One of the characters asks whether the fight against an evil system is still relevant today. The question cuts deep because, despite all the resistance, it seems like nothing is really changing. All this time, you find yourself asking the same question.

When hope begins to dim, the film finds a way to reignite it by the end. The idea behind race courses beautifully captures the essence of this fight and what it means to keep going.

In that angle, 𝘌𝘋𝘑𝘖𝘗 does the job.

𝐄𝐃𝐉𝐎𝐏

Cast: Elijah Canlas, Jodi Sta. Maria

With: Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Kakie Pangilinan, Cedrick Juan, Teroy Guzman, Issa Litton, Thea Marabut, Nour Hooshmand, Jethro Tenorio, Nico Locco, Jerome Dawis

Screenplay by: Katski Flores, Jade Castro

Presented by: Open Water Productions, The Mad Goats Inc.

Release Date: September 16, 2026 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews