Following the success of Filipino movies like “Through Night and Day” on its site, Netflix is bringing more local content to the small screen. The streaming giant has announced that they will be adding films from Viva Communications, Regal Films, TBA Studios, The IdeaFirst Company and CleverMinds to its selection.
Here is the lineup of 15 movies which will be added this August to September. We’ve listed them down along with their release dates so you better add them to your calendar. Get in, we’re supporting local.
“Hindi Tayo Pwede”
Written by Ricky Lee and directed by Joel Lamangan, “Hindi Tayo Pwede” (also known as “Once Before”) is a not-so-spooky but definitely sexy romance flick. It stars Lovi Poe as Gabby who, after a tragic car crash, finds herself in a love triangle with the ghost of her fiance, played by Tony Labrusca, and their friend played by Marco Gumabao. You can start streaming it on Aug. 4.
“Time & Again”
Jose Javier Reyes’ “Time & Again” follows the story of Apol (Wynwyn Marquez), a diner waitress by day and a writer by night, who falls in love with a customer (Enzo Pineda) who already has a girlfriend. She gains the ability to turn back time and goes back to the day they first met. You can give it a watch starting Aug. 6.
“Stranded”
Director Ice Idanan is serving us a very on-season love story with “Stranded.” Stuck in an office warehouse together due to a typhoon, an uptight IT executive (Jessy Mendiola) and a chill food delivery guy (Arjo Atayde) clash and find that maybe they’re not so different after all.
We recommended getting cozy when you catch it on Aug. 6.
“Kung Paano Siya Nawala”
Ever heard of face blindness? Also called prosopagnosia, it’s a brain disorder characterized by the inability to recognize faces. It’s at the center of Joel Ruiz’s “Kung Paano Siya Nawala” (also known as “How She Left Me”). JM de Guzman plays quite Lio who finds it impossible to connect with people because of the condition. That is until he meets free-spirited Shana played by Rhian Ramos. It’s available on Netflix starting Aug. 13.
“Finding You”
Here’s another thing that might be new to your ears: hyperthymesia. A person with this condition possesses a superior autobiographical memory. In Easy Ferrer’s “Finding You” Jerome Ponce’s character has it. But here’s the catch, he discovers through his old social media account that he has a past heartbreak he can’t recall. So, he meets up with his exes to find out who it was about. Joining him in the movie is Jane Oineza and Barbie Imperial. You can uncover the mystery starting Aug. 13.
“Love The Way U Lie”
“It is an honor having our film be included as a Netflix Original and be shown across Asia,” says director RC Delos Reyes about the upcoming release of “Love The Way U Lie.” The romcom is about a lonely-in-love psychic (Alex Gonzaga) who helps grieving husband (Xian Lim) whose deceased wife wants him to move on. Maybe she can help him in more ways than one. You can find out on Aug. 20.
“Us Again”
Here’s something for the people who’ve been thinking about getting back with their exes this quarantine. Joy Aquino’s “Us Again” follows the story of two former flames, played by Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing, who cross paths again and ask themselves whether a second chance is possible. Will they or won’t they? Watch it on Aug. 20 to find out.
“Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon”
Here’s a moody piece that will also make you think about your what-ifs. Nestor Abrogena’s “Tayo sa Huling Buwan ng Taon” (also known as “Us, At The End Of The Year”) is for fans of movies that are made up of a series of conversations like the “Before” trilogy. After the end of their five-year relationship, Sam (Nicco Manalo) and Isa (Emmanuelle Vera) catch up with each other one night and come into terms with their feelings for each other. You can stream it starting Aug. 27.
“D’Ninang”
If you’re looking to get a few laughs, G.B. Sampedro’s “D’Ninang” is what you’re looking for. Starring Ai-Ai de las Alas as a criminal matriarch heading a gang of thieves, we watch her try to get out of a life of crime after reuniting with her estranged daughter played by Kisses Delavin. Catch it on Aug. 27.
“Gasping For Air”
Here’s a coming-of-age drama for a change. Carlo Obispo’s “Gasping For Air” is centered on Luis’ (Carlos Dala) search for his sister (Barbara Miguel) who lost contact with their family after a talent scout brings her to the city with the promise of a career as a singer. You’ll have to wait until Sept. 3 to find out what happens.
“Write About Love”
Want to see Yeng Constantino’s acting chops? You better catch Crisanto Aquino’s “Write About Love” to see her in action and find out what role she took. We follow the story of a young writer (Miles Ocampo) who teams up with a more seasoned one (Rocco Nacino) to rewrite her script about an unfinished love story. Find out how the story ends on Sept. 5.
“Sleepless”
Insomniacs, unite. Prime Cruz’s “Sleepless” stars Glaiza de Castro and Dominic Roco play two call center agents who have a hard time sleeping and together they fight the loneliness that keeps them awake. Netflix is yet to announce its release date.
“Kung paano hinihintay ang dapithapon”
Carlo Enciso Catu’s “Kung paano hinihintay ang dapithapon” (also known as “Waiting for Sunset”) is not your usual love triangle story. Veteran actors Dante Rivero, Menggie Cobarrubias and Perla Bautista star in a story about an old unmarried couple whose lives get all tangled up after the woman’s estranged husband reaches out to them, asking for reconciliation. We’ll have to wait for Netflix to give us a release date.
“Distance”
Perci Intalan’s “Distance” is a family drama that explores space. Liza (Iza Calzado) is still drowning in grief after losing the love of her life when she receives a visit from her husband (Nonie Buencamino) who she left five years ago. No questions asked, he invites her back to live with their family. Keep your eyes peeled for its release date.
“Tuos”
Last but certainly not the least on the list is Roderick Cabrido’s “Tuos” (also known as “The Vow”). It’s a moody thriller piece about an Antique village’s binukot, a “kept maiden” tasked to keep their oral tradition alive. It stars Elora Españo, Barbie Forteza and Nora Aunor. What happens when the chosen maiden falls in love and threatens the sanctity of a pact made between the supernatural deities and their village? Find out when the movie gets released on a yet to be announced date.
Photo screengrab from the “Gasping For Air” trailer
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