Kantil (Trench)

[...] the film challenges itself from the get-go with a high difficulty level of juggling its multiple elements, yet its young filmmaker, Wowa Medroso, deftly handles the film's intricate plot points with surprising ease and confidence, trusting the film's soulful core to surface throughout the narrative. (4.5/5)

Naging problema din saken yung pacing ng film. [...] Pero may mga moments din yung pelikula that touch heart. (Maganda Pero)

Kantil is a film that is admittedly unable to contain its creative audacity, though it puts up a noble attempt [...] (3.5/5)

It’s a whole lot, and the movie isn’t quite able to flesh out everything. [...] But I admire its ambition. (3.5/5)

This was a great debut for Medroso in the sense that it introduces what kind of filmmaker they are to cinemagoers. They’re a filmmaker who believes there should be no limits to creative vision and who creates films that serve as love letters to the people they’re inspired by. (3.5/5)

Kantil's unique blend of regional folklore and boys love romance is intriguing, with a story that unfolds in a captivating way. (3.5/5)

‘Kantil’ still haunts. It’s a testament that even the stories from the smallest towns deserve a big platform to be heard. And a grounded sci-fi tale? Bet. (3.5/5)

Leading this ensemble cast was Sue Prado, who was consistent in her realistic portrayals of flawed protagonists. Her Ms. Buhisan could actually be a reformed version of her predatory character in "Your Mother's Son" (2023). (6/10)

A slow-burn sci-fi tale that is equally surprising and absorbing, this little film has mesmerizing charms of its own. (3/5)

Its ambition is certainly in full display thanks to the sublime lensing of Arnel Barbarona and the haunting electro-synth score by Allan Balberona, but we can't help but hope that the film was a more cohesive and satisfying narrative experience.