Cover In this ‘Sunshine’ review, we unpack Antoinette Jadaone’s bold drama about a young gymnast whose Olympic dreams are cut short by an unplanned pregnancy, confronting the realities of abortion, sex education, and women’s rights in the Philippines (Photo: IMDB)
In this ‘Sunshine’ review, we unpack Antoinette Jadaone’s bold drama about a young gymnast whose Olympic dreams are cut short by an unplanned pregnancy, confronting the realities of abortion, sex education, and women’s rights in the Philippines (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
‘Sunshine’, written and directed by Antoinette Jadaone, follows the story of a young, passionate gymnast and a shattered dream of being qualified for the upcoming Olympics after discovering her pregnancy. Fair warning, spoilers ahead
Two months before the qualifiers, Sunshine (the titular role perfectly portrayed by Maris Racal) had been pouring every ounce of strength and heart into her weekly training sessions. With the pressure of qualifying to represent the Philippines from the people around her—no matter if they’re family, friends or strangers—it’s as if her world stopped entirely after getting two positive tests confirming an unexpected pregnancy. Her immediate thought was to terminate it, knowing that this would remove her from the roster. Miggy, the baby’s father, played by Elijah Canlas, was also urging her to end the pregnancy, knowing both are unprepared to enter parenthood. Having no other legal and safe choice, the titular character resorted to the infamous “pangpalaglag” (abortion pills) being sold ironically within the vicinity of the Quiapo church.
This film takes us into the relentless and heartwrenching story of a woman forced to fight for control over her own body; a fight made all the more punishing in a place where abortion is not only forbidden, but damned as a mortal sin. An eye-opener that sheds light not only on abortion, but also on sex education, both of which are topics that remain taboo for the majority of Filipino households.
More from Tatler: Much-anticipated Filipino production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’—is it worth the hype?
Above Maris Racal as the titular character, Sunshine (Photo: IMDB)
Above Sunshine during a gymnastics competition (Photo: IMDB)
Maris Racal as the titular character, Sunshine (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 2
Sunshine’s story is a shared reality among other women. In the latter half of the film, we meet Mary Grace, a 13-year-old girl whose story mirrors and magnifies Sunshine’s own struggle. Too young to grasp reality, she was unaware she was carrying an unwanted pregnancy conceived through non-consensual intercourse. Her story runs parallel with Sunshine’s, yet it underscores an undeniable truth: some pregnancies were never meant to happen, especially those born of assault. Neither of their circumstances can be pinned on women, particularly in a country where comprehensive sexual education is scarce and frowned upon.
Their journeys embody the deadly consequences faced by women denied safe choices. They carry the weight of society’s unforgiving and judgmental gaze, clouded by outdated beliefs long overdue to be left behind. This film is a reminder that these are not isolated tragedies, but lived realities for countless women.
Related: ‘Weapons’ blends the structure of ‘Magnolia’ with supernatural terror
Above A confrontation with her boyfriend Miggy, portrayed by Elijah Canlas (Photo: IMDB)
A confrontation with her boyfriend Miggy, portrayed by Elijah Canlas (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
Above Behind Sunshine’s fierce routines lies a young woman juggling ambition, pressure and an impossible choice (Photo: IMDB)
Behind Sunshine’s fierce routines lies a young woman juggling ambition, pressure and an impossible choice (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
While the film illustrates the prevailing underground method described by the seller in Quiapo, it also exposes the deadly and exploitative nature of these shady underground business practices. With the lack of proper medical knowledge, the seller lacked expertise and was underqualified to guide Sunshine in taking the pills safely. That scene quietly reminds the audience that safe and informed medical care should not be a luxury, but a necessity, as it can draw the thin line between life and death.
The cast delivered unforgettable portrayals, bringing the characters with such authenticity that their performances felt utterly real. This truthfulness brought an unsettling feeling to the audience, evoking fear despite the film not being labelled under the horror genre. It revealed a different kind of horror, one that is lived in reality. It exposed more about the horrors that many already knew yet often choose to ignore; the horrors that some were forced to confront for the first time. From this, Sunshine was able to turn discomfort into empathy, urging its viewers to face the grim reality lurking in the margins of everyday life.
Above ‘Sunshine’ (2024) by director Antoinette Jadaone (Photo: IMDB)
‘Sunshine’ (2024) by director Antoinette Jadaone (Photo: IMDB)
1 / 1
Known for her heartwarming and enchanting romantic-comedy movies, it is clear that Jadaone is now fearlessly venturing into a bold new path, recently releasing back-to-back films that confront social issues. It is important for our filmmakers to use their medium in shaping stories that sharpen the understanding of reality, sparking reflections that guide their audience to a more progressive future. Landing on the mat of reality that confronts the beliefs engraved in us since childhood.
Sunshine sticks its landing as both a personal narrative and a social commentary. With unflinching honesty, this film exposes the systematic failures that force women into dangerous, life-altering decisions. It doesn’t just tell a story—it urges its audience to confront the beliefs etched into us since childhood and to imagine a future where no woman is forced to risk her life and dreams for the right to make choices about her own body. Until that future comes, the stories of women like Sunshine and Mary Grace will continue, not on the silver screen, but in the shadows of our reality.
NOW READ
It takes a village? These athletes open up about their most crucial pillars of support
‘Freakier Friday’ takes you on a rollercoaster ride full of laughter
Topics
Johannah believes in the magic of stories, bringing visions to life both behind the camera and in every frame she produces. She graduated film at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and has been chasing narratives ever since. Now producing photo and video shoots for Tatler Philippines.
When she’s not on set, she finds joy in the beats of OPM, K-pop and R&B. Seizing every chance to attend live concerts, travel and unwind by the beach.
You can find her at @johannahreglos on Instagram or johannah.reglos@tatlerphilippines.com.
