Redemption. When does one come clean? At birth, upon repentance, with changed behavior? But who is to say? We have laws of the land, but even those are not infallible. Such are the thoughts that linger as you step out of the cinema after watching Green Bones, the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival’s Best Picture.

I’ve never been one to follow the careers of Dennis Trillo or Ruru Madrid, but they completely delivered. Their performances were raw yet controlled, and utterly believable. Their nuanced portrayals pulled you into their characters’ inner worlds, enough to either loathe them or root for them.

Supporting them was a powerhouse cast with the likes of Iza Calzado, Michael de Mesa, Ronnie Lazaro, Alessandra De Rossi, and Wendell Ramos. Speaking of Wendell Ramos, seeing him shed his comedic Bubble Gang persona for a serious role was a pleasant surprise. Each actor seemed to elevate the others, making the ensemble performance nothing short of compelling.

The soul of the film for me, however, lies in its storytelling through communication. While we often think of speaking our truths as purely verbal, Green Bones highlights the beauty of sign language. It wasn’t just a plot device, it was a love note to the deaf community. The deliberate effort to incorporate sign language into the narrative adds depth and warmth to an already rich story.

Zig Dulay, a proud son of Isabela and a graduate of UP Baguio, once again proved his mettle as a director. With a script penned by legends Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, and based on a concept by JC Rubio, Dulay crafts a story that is poignant, heart-wrenching, and deeply human. Knowing that someone from the North is out there creating stories of this caliber makes you feel nothing but pride.

What sets Green Bones apart is its exploration of redemption — within prison walls and within ourselves. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of change, the cost of forgiveness, and the bittersweet reality of loss. It’s a film that aches with sadness yet offers hope in its quiet moments, a reminder that even the darkest corners of humanity can sometimes let in a little light.

If you’re looking for a movie that will make you think, feel, and maybe even cry a little (or a lot), Green Bones is it. And for a small moment, it makes you believe that redemption isn’t just possible — it’s necessary. – Rappler.com