Every now and then, skeptical viewers question whether a local film can stand toe-to-toe with international ones. But just as often, a proudly Filipino film comes along to prove that a movie can be both beautiful and impactful. Sunshine is exactly that.
Antoinette Jadaone’s Sunshine follows the story of a young, dedicated gymnast who is on the cusp of realizing her Olympic dream — until she discovers she’s pregnant. With everything she’s worked for hanging in the balance, she’s faced with a life-changing choice: will she continue chasing her dream, or choose to become a mother?
A Familiar World
Well-known “hugot” film director Antoinette Jadaone has long proven she's more than just a rom-com storyteller, with critically acclaimed works like Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay (2011) and Fan Girl (2020). But her work in Sunshine shows she can explore even more complex, grounded stories that still reflect real-life struggles.
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Sunshine’s world is well-established, grounded in a familiar yet often overlooked corner of Manila. It’s a place where poverty looms, churches and schools offer refuge and judgment, and everyday people struggle and try to survive. It’s the kind of world you might pass by in real life or hear about in the news.
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At the center of it all is Maris Racal’s Sunshine. Through her, we witness the kind of life she leads including her family dynamics, her daily struggles, and the quiet strength she carries. The film succeeds in drawing the audience into her world, allowing us to truly meet and root for a lead character who feels real and deeply human.
The Courage to Say It Anyway
More than just its strong production value, Sunshine draws its true power from its writing, boldly telling a story centered on a theme still considered taboo in the Philippines — abortion. From beginning to end, the film never holds back, making it one of the bravest and most unapologetic works the Philippine film industry has seen in years.
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Despite its controversial theme, the story never spoonfeeds the audience with moral lessons or heavy-handed messages. Instead, it invites viewers to reflect — leaving us to question whether Sunshine’s final decision is right, wrong, or simply hers to make.
Sunshine’s character is confidently written, with no trace of the identity crisis that often weakens stories tackling bold themes. From the beginning, we meet a young woman who knows exactly what she wants and no amount of pressure or high stakes can easily sway her.
Fully Lived Roles
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Equally strong is Sunshine’s cast, led by the talented Maris Racal in what is arguably one of her most compelling and emotionally resonant performances to date. She fully embodies the role, not just delivering the drama and angst, but moving and carrying herself like a real gymnast, with all the emotional weight the character demands.
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Maris is backed by powerful performances from her supporting cast, including Jennica Garcia as her sympathetic older sister. We’ve seen Jennica shine in complex roles — from her antihero portrayal in Dirty Linen (2023) to her fierce antagonist turn in Saving Grace (2024). But here, she offers something deeper. She proves that she’s not only convincing as a character you love to hate, she’s also just as compelling when playing someone you can genuinely root for, further showcasing her impressive range.
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Newbie child actress Annika Co impresses as the unnamed but pivotal child character in Sunshine. She plays the role with natural ease, bringing just the right mix of drama, grit, and sass. Annika made sure her presence is felt in every scene she’s in.
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Elijah Canlas also appears as Sunshine’s boyfriend Miggy. While audiences may remember him as the walking red flag Archie in Senior High (2023), Elijah once again proves his range as an actor. Even when roles share certain traits, he brings a unique depth and nuance that makes each performance feel distinct.
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Despite limited screen time, Xyriel Manabat brings quiet depth to her role as Sunshine’s best friend, serving as a strong and sincere presence beside Maris’s Sunshine.
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Rhed Bustamante also shines in her role as Mary Grace, a character Sunshine meets along her journey. Her performance captures both fear and quiet strength, showing how far she’s come from the iconic child actress we first saw in FlordeLiza back in 2015.
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Another talented actress, Meryll Soriano is effective as Sunshine’s tough but caring gymnastics coach. Despite the character’s restraint, she manages to convey both authority and empathy with ease.
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Also worth mentioning is newcomer child actor JM Garcia, who brought lightness and laughter with his hilarious portrayal of Ariana.
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Meanwhile, Piolo Pascual left audiences in awe with his impactful cameo. In just one scene, the award-winning actor fully embodied a holier-than-thou character with suspicious undertones — the kind of person many of us have probably encountered in real life.
What the Film Leaves Us With
Overall, Sunshine shines not only through its powerful performances and brave storytelling, but also through its message. True to director-writer Antoinette Jadaone’s words, the film doesn’t tell us to be pro- or anti-abortion. It simply asks us to lead with compassion. Compassion for all the real-life “Sunshines” out there.
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The film feels like a quiet but powerful letter to the world — a reminder that cinema can still dare to be bold, meaningful, and full of heart. A film that doesn’t just tell a story, but one that shines with purpose.
Don’t miss Sunshine, currently screening in selected cinemas for its second week.