Dannyka Manangan

REVIEW: ‘Unmarry’ ties legal realities together with smooth storytelling

Article (news)

Jemuel Tandoc

Push Team

<p>With strong word of mouth and major awards backing it up, this year’s drama entry at the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival, <em>Unmarry</em>, has generated a lot of buzz. As the film’s premise tackles a very relevant issue in the Philippines, the question is: will it handle annulment effectively?</p><p><em>Unmarry</em><u></u> follows two people brought together by chance, each dealing with their own annulment. Celine is determined to break free from her overbearing husband and fight for her children and her business. Ivan, on the other hand, opposes the petition filed by his news personality wife. As they grow closer, will love find a way despite the complications and challenges their cases bring?</p><div><strong>A Serious Case Told Lightly</strong></div><p>Just from its teaser, the film already hints at the story it wants to tell about annulment and separation. Though the subject is heavy, the very first scene makes it clear that the storytelling will be light and approachable. Its creatives make smart choices—like incorporating modern elements such as vlogging—to help make the weighty topic more digestible.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078905430Unmarry - 12.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>Though annulment themes in Filipino movies aren’t new, this one is handled differently. The film avoids catfights, campy melodrama, and over-the-top moments. Instead, it stays true to the story and lets the narrative unfold naturally, much like real people would experience it.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078868651Unmarry - 11.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>But don’t be fooled by its lighthearted approach. The film gets serious when it needs to, and it carefully sets up those moments. Watching the process feels like being an actual witness to it all. You experience everything leading up to the courtroom scene, seeing just how messy a separation can truly be.</p><div><strong>Love in Session</strong></div><p>Amid the ups and downs of separation, the film also explores the blossoming romance between Angelica Panganiban’s Celine and Zanjoe Marudo’s Ivan. It unfolds as a slow-burning romance, with both Angelica and Zanjoe proving they still have that spark from their previous pairings in <em>Playhouse </em>(2018) and<em> Walang Hanggang Paalam</em> (2020).</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078829830Unmarry - 10.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>While the film has its romantic moments, Angelica and Zanjoe’s chemistry truly stands out in the quieter, simpler scenes, letting their natural acting shine through. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078797310Unmarry - 9.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>It’s also worth noting how the love story is sometimes positioned. It doesn’t always feel fully integrated amid the chaos and conflicts laid out early on. At times, their developing romance jumps around, which can make it feel a bit dragged out. Still, thanks to Angelica and Zanjoe’s chemistry, you can’t help but root for them to make what’s between them work.</p><div><strong>Talents You Can’t Object To</strong></div><p>If there’s one thing that certainly worked, it’s each actor’s performance, especially the strong lead from award-winning actress Angelica Panganiban. She brings Celine to life with remarkable authenticity, proving she can take on any role given to her. We’ve seen her shine in heavy dramas, bida-kontrabida roles, and even comedy, but this very real, very natural side of Angelica is truly something to behold.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078762431Unmarry - 8.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>The premier actress makes Celine feel like someone you could actually meet in real life. Her maturity as an actress shines, whether in her character’s restrained moments or during moments of outburst. Her pain is deeply palpable, making the audience feel it profoundly. Without a doubt, she carries the film like a true anchor.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078727731Unmarry - 7.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>Meanwhile, Zanjoe Marudo proves to be an equally capable co-lead. He charms as Ivan while effectively showing the character’s vulnerable and sometimes unlikable side. Zanjoe stands out as a true leading man, showing his capability for roles like this through his experience.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078692211Unmarry - 6.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>Their supporting cast is equally strong, with Tom Rodriguez showing what an MMFF Best Supporting Actor performance looks like. He plays the narcissistic, manipulative, and scheming Stephen like a true villain. Despite his leading man looks, he delivers the antagonist role like a seasoned pro, making you despise the character to the core. He avoids going over the top, yet still fully conveys just how despicable his portrayal truly is.</p><p>But in one particular moment, Tom’s reaction might have sealed his win. He shows what his character truly feels beneath the surface of his alpha-male persona, hinting at growth and complexity in his performance.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078658610Unmarry - 5.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>Eugene Domingo also shines as a solid supporting presence, stealing every scene she’s in while portraying the social-media-savvy and fierce lawyer, Atty. Jacqueline. She commands every moment like a true powerhouse lawyer, while also showing the care and warmth behind the tough and funny exterior.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078622030Unmarry - 4.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>Solenn Heussaff impresses in her portrayal as the independent wife of Zanjoe’s Ivan. With what was given to her, she conveys both vulnerability and strength in a natural, believable way.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078576851Unmarry - 3.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><p>Also worthy of mention is veteran actress Shamaine Buencamino, who portrays Celine’s mother with heartfelt authenticity. In one particularly moving scene, she expresses her wish for her daughter to never lose herself, even if it means potentially losing everything in the legal battle—a line that truly hits straight to the heart.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078534769Unmarry - 2.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>The surprise, however, comes from Best Breakthrough Performance awardee and first-time actor Zack Sibug, who impresses in his court scene. He effectively portrays a child caught in the crossfire of his parents’ annulment, delivering a performance that feels authentic and heartfelt.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767078484588Unmarry - 1.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">COURTESY: Quantum Films</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Verdict</strong></div><p>‘Unmarry’ proves once again that a film can be both worth watching and bold in tackling an important subject. It carefully handles the topic of annulment while emphasizing how crucial these stories are. In a country where separated unions are often judged, the film dares to talk about it, shining a light on truths that are often left unspoken.</p><div><iframe width="780" height="439" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3bLDu6QxdNE" title="UNMARRY Full Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Catch <em>Unmarry, </em>an official entry to the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival, now showing in cinemas nationwide.</p>

<p>Some are calling it the dark horse of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entries. Let’s see how this drama fares as it tackles the serious subject of annulment.</p>

Some are calling it the dark horse of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entries. Let’s see how this drama fares as it tackles the serious subject of annulment.

REVIEW: ‘Unmarry’ ties legal realities together with smooth storytelling

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REVIEW: ‘Unmarry’ ties legal realities together with smooth storytelling

Jemuel Tandoc,

Push Team,

Published December 30, 2025 03:17 PM PHT

Read More:

Unmarry

Angelica Panganiban

Zanjoe Marudo

Tom Rodriguez

Solenn Heusaff

Eugene Domingo

Zack Sibug

Metro Manila Film Festival

movies

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