PINIKAS

Pinikas / Halved (2025)

Written & Directed by: Cris Fuego

Shot in Southern Leyte, the film captures breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. The script emphasizes the vastness of the mountains and the endless reach of the sea.

Beneath this scenic beauty lies the harsh reality of life. It may appear to be paradise, yet for them, it feels like prison. Home becomes a cage that traps their dreams and limits their freedom.

Avoiding the traps of poverty porn, the film balances hardship with subtle threads of joy and human resilience. The storytelling is neither exaggerated nor exploitative. Its straightforward approach in sharing experiences keeps the story grounded.

Further grounding the film in truth, VisMin locals make up the ensemble whose presence mirrors the real-life community.

A natural actress, Angela Villarin combines commitment and sincerity to craft a performance that’s raw and moving. Jade Makawili charms with ease, playing through the lighter scenes while delivering the necessary emotion in the heavier ones. Through her humor, Randolph Valmoria makes life feel a little less hard.

The background songs are easy to appreciate, reflecting the atmosphere of each scene.

Despite a runtime of nearly two hours, key moments are still missing. Major character decisions occur abruptly. Numerous conflicts arise, and it’s unclear which ones are meant to be tackled, leaving some threads hanging.

The narrative wanders aimlessly, lacking focus and struggling to establish a clear sense of direction. The pacing becomes uneven and occasionally drags. The ending lacks strength and impact, resulting in a somber conclusion to the characters’ journey.

Your spirit feels halved, torn between accepting fate and continuing the fight.

𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐊𝐀𝐒 / 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐃

Cast: Angela Villarin, Jade Makawili, Kevin Reams, Michael Bacalso, Randolph Valmoria, Dion Seco Cecilio, Jolaica Amiana, Ellah Mae Cuaton, Arvin Cabajes

Presented by: Sunny Toys Entertainment Productions, OHouse Co

Release Date: Limited Screenings. See schedule here: https://pinikasfilm.weebly.com/

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews