Movie Review: Until She Remembers

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, Until She Remembers offers a gentle yet emotionally resonant story about family, healing, and the quiet ways love endures even as memories begin to fade. The film follows a teenager struggling to cope with her parents’ separation who moves in with her grandmother, only to discover that her grandmother herself is carrying emotional wounds from a past relationship while caring for a loved one battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Rather than overwhelming audiences with heavy drama, Until She Remembers chooses a softer and more intimate approach to storytelling. It is a heartwarming and simple film that never forces its message upon viewers. Instead, it allows emotions to unfold naturally — the kind of movie you simply watch and suddenly realize you are already feeling deeply connected to its characters and their journeys. Warm, tender, and sincere, the film moves at its own gentle pace without manipulating the audience into tears, yet its emotional impact quietly lingers long after the credits roll.

This marks one of Brillante Mendoza’s most delicate and restrained works to date. Known for his often gritty realism, Mendoza presents here perhaps his softest and most tender film, embracing subtle storytelling over intensity. The result is a simple yet powerful cinematic experience built on emotional authenticity rather than dramatic excess.

The film is anchored by the strong emotional performances of its exceptional cast. Barbie Forteza delivers what can easily be considered one of her finest acting performances to date. Her portrayal feels deeply lived-in, especially in emotionally heavy moments where her vulnerability becomes undeniably affecting. Her crying scenes, in particular, carry genuine emotional weight, proving once again that she is truly an acting gem of her generation.

Charo Santos-Concio complements this beautifully with a restrained and nuanced performance. She communicates emotion through silence and subtle expression, allowing audiences to feel the unspoken pain and love beneath her character’s composure. Meanwhile, Boots Anson-Roa gives an effective and moving portrayal of a character living with Alzheimer’s disease, capturing both fragility and humanity with sincerity.

Supporting performances also contribute meaningfully to the film’s emotional texture. Vince Rillon is convincingly effective as the flawed and frustrating boyfriend, while Albert Martinez and Angel Aquino maximize their smaller roles with grounded and believable performances.

Visually, the film’s cinematography becomes a storytelling tool of its own. The camera gently follows Barbie Forteza’s character as if inviting viewers to dwell inside her emotional world. Each frame feels intentional, reflecting themes of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance. The film uses metaphors and moments drawn from real life to explore the process of finding oneself while learning to face emotional realities.

The screenplay stands out for its depth and thoughtfulness. Every element — from directing and performances to music, editing, and cinematography — works cohesively to create a reflective and immersive viewing experience. Until She Remembers ultimately becomes a different kind of drama, one that succeeds through its innovative and unconventional storytelling approach while remaining emotionally accessible.

More than anything, the film reminds audiences about healing, understanding, and the importance of embracing life even amid uncertainty and loss. It is a beautiful journey told with warmth and sincerity — a story that does not demand tears but earns emotional connection through honesty. 

Until She Remembers Opens February 25 in Cinemas.


My Verdict: 4.5/5