Maalikaya (2025) – A Bold Filipino Thriller About Women Reclaiming Power
Director: Roman Perez Jr.
Stars: Sheena Cole, Aliya Raymundo, Jenn Rosa
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Country: Philippines
Language: Filipino
Synopsis
“Maalikaya” is a gripping drama-thriller set in the rural heartlands of the Philippines, where three women from different walks of life struggle against a system that seeks to silence them. Directed by Roman Perez Jr., the film shines a powerful light on the themes of agency, survival, and female empowerment.
Story & Characters
The story revolves around three strong but vulnerable women:
Joyce (Sheena Cole), a domestic helper desperate to escape her abusive employer and reclaim her dignity.
Bela (Aliya Raymundo), the daughter of a farmer, hiding a traumatic past while trying to protect her family's land.
Laarni (Jenn Rosa), a traffic enforcer who turns whistleblower after discovering corruption within her ranks.
Each storyline unravels slowly, eventually interweaving into a haunting portrait of courage under fire. The rural setting plays a silent but powerful role — both beautiful and suffocating — symbolizing the paradox these women live in.
Direction & Themes
Roman Perez Jr. directs with a steady hand, balancing the film’s emotional intensity with moments of quiet strength. He doesn’t romanticize rural life — instead, he reveals its brutal truths while celebrating the resilience of its people.
The central themes include:
Power vs. Powerlessness
Resilience in Isolation
Justice in a Corrupt System
Female Solidarity
What sets Maalikaya apart is how it explores these topics without being preachy. It trusts the audience to feel the tension and recognize the injustice.
Performances
The trio of lead actresses delivers a standout ensemble:
Sheena Cole as Joyce is raw and grounded, carrying quiet pain and deep strength.
Aliya Raymundo adds intensity as Bela — a character torn between silence and outcry.
Jenn Rosa brings steel and emotion to Laarni, a woman whose courage grows with each act of defiance.
Their performances elevate the script, making each woman’s struggle deeply personal and painfully real.
Cinematography & Sound
The visual tone is earthy, capturing both the natural beauty and the underlying bleakness of the setting. The cinematography enhances the themes of entrapment and liberation. The score is minimalist but effective, creating unease when needed, and tenderness in rare, intimate moments.
Final Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Stars)
Maalikaya is more than just a thriller — it’s a socially conscious film that speaks directly to the unspoken truths of many women in rural areas. It’s bold, raw, and emotionally stirring. If you're looking for a Filipino film that combines heart-pounding tension with thought-provoking substance, this one deserves a spot on your watchlist.
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