Geline Salac

Article (news)

Dennis Trillo in 'Green Bones'

Fred Hawson

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735175478903Green-Bones.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Dennis Trillo in &#x27;Green Bones&#x27;</div>Criminology graduate Xavier Gonzaga (Ruru Madrid) is a new jail guard at the San Felipe Penal Colony, where his former professor Marquez (Michael de Mesa) is the superintendent. His choice of profession had been spurred by the murder of his elder sister Elise (Pauline Mendoza) when he was a boy. Even from the start, he clashed with senior guard Cruz (Wendell Ramos) who did not like the way Gonzaga worked. The inmate that Gonzaga was most suspicious of was Domingo Zamora (Dennis Trillo), a mute man who uses sign language. He was convicted of murdering his sister Joanna (Iza Calzado) and his niece Ruth (Sienna Stevens) in cold blood, which made Gonzaga&#x27;s blood boil against him. Gonzaga noted that Zamora was receiving regular visits from an NGO worker Betty (Alessandra da Rossi) and items were being passed between them. This new film is a reunion of the primary creatives behind &quot;Firefly&quot; (2023) -- director Zig Dulay, writer Anj Atienza (this time co-writing with none other than National Artist Ricky Lee), producer Nessa Valdellon, and actress Alessandra da Rossi. The cryptic title &quot;Green Bones&quot; was derived from a legend that if you see green bones after a dead body was cremated, it meant that this person had been good during his lifetime.The role of Dom Saltik gave Dennis Trillo yet another showcase to portray a whole range of emotions as he explored the psyche of a convicted murderer. His being mute and resorting to sign language gave this mysterious character a dimension of sinister unpredictability. He was able to convincingly project how a man pushed to the edge could turn to the dark side. Being nominated for, and even actually winning, the Best Actor award is very likely.   Ruru Madrid&#x27;s face reflected the idealistic drive of Gonzaga. Alessandra da Rossi&#x27;s Betty was steadfast even as things went from bad to worse. Royce Cabrera, Mikoy Morales, Gerard Acao, Raul Morit and Ronnie Lazaro played Dom&#x27;s co-conspirators in prison. Wendell Ramos and Victor Neri looked absolutely creepy even with no dialogue. Like &quot;Firefly,&quot; a cute child was the heart of the film. Here, Sienna Stevens is a top contender for Best Child Performer. Lee and Atienza told this crime story from two perspectives -- Gonzaga&#x27;s first, then Dom&#x27;s. Director Zig Dulay&#x27;s knack for visual storytelling was topnotch as he riveted our attention from beginning to end. The scenic island location for the penal colony, complete with stately lighthouse and an old tree with a dramatic crown of leaves, was surely a dream come true for cinematographer Neil Daza. Nominations are forthcoming for all of them.This review was originally published in the author&#x27;s blog, <a href="https://said-fred.blogspot.com/2024/12/mmff-2024-review-of-green-bones.html">“Fred Said.”</a>

The cryptic title 'Green Bones' was derived from a legend that if you see green bones after a dead body was cremated, it meant that this person had been good during his lifetime.

The cryptic title 'Green Bones' was derived from a legend that if you see green bones after a dead body was cremated, it meant that this person had been good during his lifetime.

MMFF review: 'Green Bones' a strong contender to win awards

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Movies & Series

MMFF review: 'Green Bones' a strong contender to win awards

Fred Hawson

Published December 26, 2024 10:00 AM PHT

Read More:

MMFF

movie review

Green Bones

Dennis Trillo

Ruru Madrid

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.