"Unmarry" [2025]

"Hindi ba sapat na sabihing hindi ko na siya mahal?" - Celine

Film

Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo

Tom Rodriguez, Eugene Domingo,

Solenn Heussaff,

Written by: Chris Martinez,

Therese Cayaba

Directed by: Jeffrey Jeturian

Quantum Films, CINEKO Productions

==========

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5

==========

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

SYNOPSIS:

Celine seeks an annulment from her husband, while fighting for the custody of their daughters. Meanwhile, Ivan struggles to save his marriage and their son. Their paths cross at the law office of a lawyer and YouTube host of "Walang Butas Ang Batas". Amid legal battles and chance encounters, Celine and Ivan form an unexpected friendship that helps them heal and rediscover their home. As they grow close, the possibility of finding a new chance at love presents itself. [Source: SMCinema]

---

STORY:

Unmarry is a film that initially made me question myself whether I would still consider watching it even though I do not relate to its story. Its themes revolve around marriage and annulment, topics I haven’t personally experienced, so for this reaction, I decided to just focused on how the story was presented and how it affected me as a viewer, rather than diving into legal terminologies or the deeper implications of the subject matter.

I went into Unmarry obviously expecting a serious storyline, especially given the focus on annulment and legal challenges. While the film touches on these aspects, it often balances or sometimes offsets the "seriousness" with comedic moments which made me smile and laugh at times.

However, the blend of comedy and drama felt somewhat uneven at times in my opinion. The film occasionally lightened the tone for humor, which made it feel less serious than I had anticipated. The opening sequences, for instance, carried a more instructional vibe that didn’t quite match the weight of the subject, setting a playful tone rather than a deeply dramatic one.

The first and second acts also felt a bit slow, leaning heavily on backstory, particularly for Angelica Panganiban’s character which sometimes came across as overly dramatic. Zanjoe Marudo’s backstory, in contrast, was more balanced, though his makeup in some scenes was slightly noticeable. Despite these pacing issues, the film maintains a clear and relatable narrative.

CHARACTERS:

The two leads present contrasting perspectives that shape their interactions and subtly drive the story forward.

Angelica Panganiban (Celine)

Angelica is undeniably talented, but her performance sometimes felt familiar and in line with her previous roles. I was a bit underwhelmed, as I was hoping for a fresher or more dynamic approach for her big-screen comeback. That said, it’s understandable maybe because she may still be adjusting to the role and the film’s tone, especially given that she hasn’t personally experienced annulment and currently enjoys a very happy personal life.

Zanjoe Marudo (Ivan)

He was able to fully embody his character, allowing the audience to connect with the role rather than the actor, and his portrayal of a caring and supportive parent stood out as genuinely heartfelt.

Other Characters

Eugene Domingo provided strong comedic support, adding levity without undermining the story, while Tom Rodriguez delivered a compelling and effective performance as a challenging presence in the narrative. But I think the person who gave a strong performance was Zac Sibug who played Elio. Zac successfully delivered his lines with such authenticity which I appreciate.

Overall, the cast brings charm and authenticity to the film, creating moments that feel grounded and engaging.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

The film makes effective use of POV shots, which enhance intimacy and help the audience connect with the characters’ perspectives. The visual style complements the mix of lighthearted and serious tones, and the ending remains grounded in reality, keeping the story relatable and believable.

LESSON:

One of the takeaways from Unmarry is a subtle reminder about relationships: it’s important to be mindful of emotional baggage and unfinished business before fully investing in someone. The film blends humor, warmth, and relatable moments to highlight this lesson without feeling preachy.

CONCLUSION:

While Unmarry may not be a fully serious courtroom-centered drama as I have hoped, it succeeds as an entertaining, heartfelt, and relatable film. Its a good mix of drama, light-hearted moments, and genuine performances which makes it worth watching, even for viewers who haven’t personally faced the themes it explores. Go watch it, as it might offer some new meaningful insights about relationships and the choices we make.

Unmarry is an official entry for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival that runs from December 25, 2025 to early January 2026.

#UnmarryMovie #MMFF51 #MMFF2025 #AngelicaPanganiban #ZanjoeMarudo #EugeneDomingo #PhilippineCinema #PinoyMovies #FilmReviewPH #MovieNightPH #CinemaLoversPH #FilipinoFilm #MovieRecommendations

---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bLDu6QxdNE