"Sisa" [2026]

""Hindi mo alam kung ano ang kayang gawin ng isang babae"

Film

Hilda Koronel, Eugene Domingo,

Jennica Garcia, Tanya Gomez,

Angeli Nicole Sanoy, Nico Antonio

Written and Directed by: Jun Robles Lana

The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films, Quantum Films, CINEKO Productions, CMB Films

==========

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5

==========

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

SYNOPSIS:

1902. The American occupation of the Philippines is met with fierce resistance, and the land is awash in blood and betrayal. Amidst this turmoil, one woman lives a double life. To the world, she's simply "Sisa," a madwoman driven to the fringes of sanity by unimaginable loss. But beneath the surface, Sisa harbors a dangerous secret: She is a survivor and a spy, haunted by visions of a past she cannot fully grasp, and fueled by an unquenchable thirst for revenge against the very forces that stole her life. As the line between madness and reality blurs, Sisa must decide how far she's willing to go, and whether she can trust anyone in this war-torn land. [Source: SMCinema]

---

STORY:

To me, this film feels like a moving piece of art, a stunning painting masterfully crafted by the writer and director, Jun Robles Lana. Every frame is beautiful, yet it never softens the harsh reality of what our ancestors endured during the American occupation. It powerfully captures what happens when injustice and abuse push a person beyond their limits. This is not a story about a perfect hero trying to save a nation. More than that, it is about revenge; an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Bravery is one thing, to face the risk of imprisonment or even death. But to confront it without weapons or proper training is something else entirely. And what makes it even more compelling is that this courage began with one woman—Sisa.

Sisa is undoubtedly one of the best films I’ve watched so far in 2026. From the actors, who gave full justice to their roles and made every emotion feel real, to the intentional cinematography that adds a layer of irony to the film’s themes, I was left speechless and in awe from beginning to end. For me, it deserves a perfect rating.

I also appreciate how straightforward the narrative is. It follows a woman wandering through a field, believed to be insane and driven mad. She is taken in by other women, who name her Sisa because of her behavior. But as the story unfolds, she is revealed to be a spy, driven by a desire to avenge her family. Every move she makes is calculated. Slowly, she opens the eyes of the other women, making them realize that this fight is not hers alone—but theirs as well.

SYMBOLISM:

This film carries many layers of symbolism and themes, but I’ll highlight a few that stood out to me the most.

The bravery of a woman

Women empowerment is one of the most evident themes of Sisa. At its core, it tells the story of a woman driven by the need to reclaim her voice and seek justice against those who wronged her and her family. The timing of its release during Women’s Month only makes this message resonate even more strongly.

The false promise of American liberation

Set during the American occupation, the film reflects a time when Filipinos initially saw Americans as saviors—only to later realize they were being exploited. Filipinos were controlled, deprived, and treated as inferior. What struck me most is how the film subtly critiques the idea of “civilizing” Filipinos. While education, the English language, and social integration were introduced as acts of goodwill, they also carried a deeper implication—that Filipinos needed to be “fixed” or made more "human". It exposes a disturbing perspective: as if Filipinos were seen not as equals, but as something less.

Betrayal from within

The film also highlights how betrayal often comes from the people you least expect. Even the most carefully planned actions can fall apart with a single mistake. What makes it more painful is the realization that the person who caused it is someone you trusted the most. This adds another layer of emotional weight to the story, reminding us that the enemy is not always external.

CHARACTERS:

Hilda Koronel (Sisa)

We may never know her true name—but does it really matter?

Hilda Koronel’s portrayal of Sisa is nothing short of iconic. And it’s not just because she is "THE" Hilda Koronel, but because of the depth and subtlety she brings to the role. She belongs to that rare class of actors who can say so much without uttering a single word. With just her eyes, she communicates pain, restraint, and quiet fury.

One of the most striking moments comes early in the film, a close-up shot where everything fades into darkness, leaving only her face illuminated. In that single frame, you already understand who she is. It’s not just a display of her acting skill, but a powerful introduction to her character.

Though she appears as a madwoman, she is in fact a calculated and observant spy. It is in her silence where she shines the most. You can feel how she suppresses her pain while staying focused on her mission. Despite her age, her commitment to the role from enduring the harsh conditions to fully embodying her character, speaks volumes about her professionalism. It’s the kind of dedication that many younger actors can learn from.

Eugene Domingo (Delia)

At this point in her career, it’s impossible to box Eugene Domingo of being just a comedian. She has proven time and again that she can excel in more serious and layered roles, and her performance as Delia is further proof of that.

Delia feels like a reflection of some modern-day mothers; practical, weary, and constantly preoccupied with the needs of her family. She can be irritable, cautious, and even skeptical of others’ intentions. Beneath that, however, is a woman who knows she deserves better, yet lacks the courage or opportunity to fight back. She represents those who have grown used to surviving rather than resisting.

Despite the heaviness of her character, Eugene still manages to insert moments of subtle humor at just the right time, never out of place. It adds a layer of humanity to Delia, making her feel even more real.

Jennica Garcia (Leonor)

In an interview, Jennica Garcia shared how physically and emotionally demanding it was to work on a period film like this, from the harsh environment to delivering deep, old Tagalog lines. Yet throughout the film, her professionalism is evident, resulting in a compelling performance as Leonor.

Leonor represents those who are easily swayed by promises of a better life. Trapped in difficult circumstances, she clings to hope, even if it comes from uncertain or risky sources. The future being offered to her feels far more appealing than the harsh reality she currently lives in.

Jennica effectively portrays Leonor’s desperation, her will to survive, and her longing to be seen and valued. There’s a quiet vulnerability in her performance that makes her character deeply relatable, especially to women who have felt overlooked or unheard.

Other characters:

Beyond the main cast, the film is filled with strong supporting performances. One standout is Angeli Nicole Sanoy, who plays Nena. Despite her young age, she delivers a remarkably convincing performance, especially in one emotionally heavy scene that leaves a lasting impact. Her portrayal adds another layer of depth to the film’s already powerful ensemble.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

Need I say it again? The cinematography of Sisa truly stands out—it feels like watching a painting come to life. The wide shots, especially those that highlight the sky, resemble delicate brushstrokes on canvas, while the nipa huts and interior spaces feel seamlessly embedded within that living artwork.

The camera work is just as impressive. The use of close-ups and carefully chosen angles adds emotional weight to each scene, making every moment more impactful. I also noticed the film’s use of a tighter aspect ratio, instead of the usual full widescreen format. This creative choice draws the audience closer to the characters, almost confining us within their world. It creates a sense of intimacy and immersion, making you feel like you’re not just watching the story—but living inside it.

The sound design is equally remarkable. The slow, somber musical score enhances the emotional heaviness of the film, pulling you deeper into Sisa’s world. It’s the kind of music that doesn’t just accompany the story, it makes you feel it.

The musical score is another element I truly loved, it gave me goosebumps as it played. It carries a mysterious quality that builds tension and subtly signals that something unsettling is about to happen. It creates an uneasy atmosphere that keeps you on edge, as if you’re holding your breath and waiting for what comes next.

But for me, the most artistic and creative part of the film is its ending. The way it unfolds feels almost like a performance—a haunting dance of death. When the film ended, the first word that came to mind was the word "POETIC". The use of fire, in particular, felt symbolic, bringing the story full circle for the main character in a powerful and unforgettable way.

LESSON:

It’s rare to see a period film where the main protagonist is a woman. While we’ve had films like Lakambini and other stories that highlight female warriors who fought for our country’s freedom, not every production is given the platform or opportunity to be seen in mainstream. That’s what makes Sisa even more significant.

More than anything, the film reminds us that those often perceived as weak or insignificant can, in truth, be the strongest of all the ones capable of rising, resisting, and ultimately prevailing.

It also shows that not all battles are won through force. Some are fought and won through strategy, patience, and wit.

CONCLUSION:

There's no doubt that "Sisa" is considered to be the best movie to be shown this 2026 because of how it reflects the lives of Filipinos more than a hundred years ago, it’s almost unsettling how what was depicted in the film still echoes in today’s reality. The struggles, the injustice, and the abuse portrayed on screen feel far too familiar, making the story not just historical, but painfully relevant.

Every element of the film feels carefully and deliberately crafted—from the casting, to the way each character is treated, to the storytelling itself. Everything is intentional and meaningful, resulting in a film that is not only visually striking, but also deeply resonant and unforgettable.

At this time, this movie may have been long gone in the theaters but hopefully it will be shown in Netflix or other apps because this movie is something you really don't want to miss.

#SISAmovie #SinoSiSISA #HildaKoronel #FilipinoCinema #PinoyFilms #FilmReviewPH #SupportLocalFilms #JunRoblesLana #WomenInFilm #Cinematography #PeriodFilm #FilipinoStories #MovieReview #CinemaPH

---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLaoh4Qop1A