OPEN ENDINGS

Open Endings (Cinemalaya 2025)

Directed by: Nigel Santos

As viewers, we have our own biases on how we’d like a certain story to move forward. We want characters to behave in such a way that meets our expectations. But this film works wonders. It makes us forget that we are viewers who see things from the outside.

We are transported into their living room, breathing the same air with them. Whenever they talk, we listen and we don’t judge. Whenever they fight, we are the first to get sad. They have a group chat—and we badly want to be included in there.

This, among many others, is the reason why Philippine Cinema is so lovable. You get to experience someone else’s lives. Regardless of who you are or what you believe in, this film breaks boundaries—letting everyone in.

This is what life exactly feels like.

It’s messy and complicated.

Mas maganda pa'to sa perfect.

This is what movies should be like.

Hindi kailangang perfect.

Ang dapat ay maka-connect.

Connection to this film and the characters is never fleeting. The relentless pace of events makes you hold on to it even more. Whether the moments are joyful or not, they just know what songs to play to set the mood. The cast is consistently magnetic.

Janella Salvador is a living emoji of all sorts. Leanne Mamonong is effortless and natural. Filled with grace, Jasmine Curtis-Smith delivers in every scene. The brilliance of Klea Pineda isn’t just a feeling, it’s a fact. We couldn’t ask for a better ensemble.

The longer we get to know these people, the more we recognize that we are all the same. Their problems are all too familiar. We also face these challenges, even though they may come in different forms. We then seek answers from this film.

Kung nalagay ka sa ganitong sitwasyon,

paano mo ito tatapusin?

The film won’t dictate. We do what we have to do. That’s the utmost beauty of open endings. We get to decide for ourselves.

As authors, we continue writing the story of our lives—until we reach an ending that we deserve.

𝘏𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘣𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘯𝘶𝘯?

𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑵 𝑬𝑵𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺

Cast: Janella Salvador, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Leanne Mamonong, Klea Pineda

Also Starring: Yesh Burce, Rachel Coates, Migs Almendras

Special Participation of: Jackie Lou Blanco

Written by: Keavy Eunice Vicente

Presented by: Cinemalaya, Tarzeer, Lumino, Patintero Princess, Fanciful Strays, Cine Canawili

Release Date: October 4-11, 2025 for Cinemalaya 2025

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews