"Paglilitis" [2025]

(a full-length film of Cinemalaya 2025)

Film

Rissey Reyes-Robinson, Eula Valdez, Leo Martinez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Sid Lucero, Bombi Plata, Rolando Inocencio, Cherry Malvar, Barbara Miguel

Screenplay/Executive Producer/Producer: Raymund Barcelon

Director/Producer: Cheska Marfori

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RATING: ⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5

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NO SPOILERS

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SYNOPSIS:

After years of trauma from pervasive sexual harassment at her workplace, Jonalyn Samuel quietly lives as a recluse. A passionate lawyer, however, finds and persuades Jonalyn to file a case against her former employer, the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the country. Initially reluctant, the lawyer explains that times have changed and the woke generation will greatly help in pursuing justice. Convinced, Jonalyn takes a risk and finds hope through the overwhelming support she receives through social media. But, the platform that initially gives her assurance soon becomes a toxic space that presents her as a heartless perpetrator instead of a victim. [Source: Cinemalaya/Paglilitis]

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STORY:

Workplace sexual harassment remains a pressing issue that many women continue to face today. Despite the existence of modern tools and preventive measures in many companies, some institutions especially those in the provinces, still lack proper policies to protect victims and ensure accountability. The Cinemalaya film "Paglilitis" captures this harsh reality with unflinching honesty and emotional depth.

From the very beginning, the film drew me in completely. I found myself feeling angry, frustrated, and even exasperated at times by the characters’ actions and their acceptance of injustice. The story mirrors what so many victims like Jonalyn experience: choosing silence not out of fear, but out of the need to protect their families and maintain stability. Yet, as the film shows, silence often inflicts more harm than good not only on the victim but on others who may suffer the same fate.

The narrative is straightforward and easy to follow, without relying on heavy exposition or grand scenes. Its simplicity is one of its strengths. The story speaks directly and powerfully, emphasizing that this is an issue that must be confronted head-on. The film’s treatment is filled with irony, pushing viewers to reflect on their values and moral choices—whether to fight back or give in to social pressure.

SYMBOLISM:

Beyond its central theme of sexual harassment, "Paglilitis" explores several societal and cultural issues. One of these is the burden of utang na loob (debt of gratitude), which often traps breadwinners into sacrificing their own well-being for their families. The film also tackles abuse of power, how those in authority exploit the vulnerable, even those who supposed to be the ones to protect.

Another powerful element is the depiction of victim blaming and how social media enables it. Through anonymous accounts and unfiltered opinions, victims are often shamed and silenced instead of supported. This online persecution forces many to keep quiet, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue.

CHARACTERS:

Rissey Reyes-Robinson who played "Jonalyn" delivered a remarkable performance with a subtle yet emotionally charged approach. Her “mata-mata” acting (expressing emotion through her eyes) was particularly striking, revealing layers of pain, confusion, and strength without the need for words.

Barbara Miguel who played the younger sister "Jasmine" was equally compelling, offering both emotional depth and moments of lightness. Her conviction and innocence balanced the gravity of the film, and her scenes with her sister were heartfelt and sincere. Their strong bond felt genuine as they became each other’s strength, which added warmth to an otherwise heavy subject.

Eula Valdez once again proved her mastery as an actress. Her precise body language and tone conveyed doubts to her character and emotional restraint, showcasing her ability to embody complexity. Jackie Lou Blanco also gave a memorable performance, portraying a woman scarred by betrayal with quiet intensity, her silence in many scenes spoke louder than words.

Meanwhile, Leo Martinez was effective as "Eduardo Guzman", though his performance felt somewhat underutilized. Similarly, Sid Lucero as "Matthew" seemed like a missed opportunity in his role that didn’t allow him to fully display his range.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

The cinematography of "Paglilitis" effectively enhances the film’s overall tone and emotional depth. It visually mirrors the protagonist’s internal struggle and complements the story’s restrained yet powerful narrative style.

One notable technique is how the camera often avoids focusing directly on the actors’ faces during certain dialogues. Instead, it lingers on subtle details—hands fidgeting, shallow breathing, or half-framed facial shots. This creative choice communicates hesitation and emotional restraint, suggesting that the protagonist is torn and not fully committed to the decision she must make. The framing reflects her uncertainty, capturing her quiet apprehension about whether to fight or remain silent.

In contrast, the film employs unbroken, intimate direct shots during the scenes where the main character recounts her trauma. Here, the camera remains fixed on her face, creating a powerful sense of vulnerability as though she is speaking directly to the audience. This technique highlights the raw emotion of her “mata-mata” acting, where her eyes alone convey a range of feelings: fear, anger, and determination. Her ability to shift between these emotions makes the moment deeply compelling and painfully real.

Beyond these, the film also uses camera angles and shot composition to add depth and emotional intensity without relying on excessive movement or effects. The restraint in the visuals allows the performances to breathe, proving that sometimes, simplicity in cinematography can be the most powerful storytelling tool of all.

TECHNICAL:

Editing choices were also notable, particularly the fast-paced flashbacks that captured the chaos and confusion of memory. These moments were impactful without feeling forced.

CRITICISM:

If there’s one thing that left me wanting more, that would be the film's final scenes. I felt like the conclusion felt subdued and unfinished. However, upon reflection, I realized this might have been intentional, to remind viewers that real life doesn’t always offer closure. The film leaves us with a question of how we will act when faced with injustice. Will we speak up or stay silent?

LESSON:

We may have heard countless stories with this particular theme before, yet it still feels far from enough. This topic deserves to be talked about more often. While stories of harassment and injustice may seem familiar, each one offers a unique perspective and emotional truth. Let's continue to stand up for these victims who are voiceless and scared because we may not sure that someone close to us might enduring the same struggle. That’s why this topic will never lose relevance because it continues to reflect the ongoing realities many women face every day.

CONCLUSION:

I am satisfied with the overall treatment of the film. "Paglilitis" goes beyond telling the story of a woman who was taken advantage of and chose to fight back. Beneath its central narrative lie powerful subthemes—such as the toxicity of social media, the exploitation of family's breadwinners, and the tragic consequences of a system lacking justice and accountability.

"Paglilitis" is a timely, raw, and emotionally charged film that confronts a painful yet necessary truth. It calls on women, and on everyone to recognize their worth and to find the courage to speak out, even in the face of fear and social judgment. Silence only allows abuse to continue, while awareness and action can finally break the cycle.

No one deserves to be harassed or made to feel unsafe anywhere especially in the workplace. And this film reminds us of that. Because safety, dignity, and respect are not just simply privileges—they are basic human rights.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjnW6zsw6so