Movie Review: Olsen's Day

Olsen’s Day is a quiet, deeply moving road trip film that sneaks up on you—and before you know it, it breaks your heart.

Set on the day of his 30th birthday, the film follows Olsen (Khalil Ramos), a lonely news researcher burdened by routine and responsibility as he cares for his mother suffering from Alzheimer’s. What begins as an ordinary day turns into an unexpected journey to Manila when he picks up a mysterious old man (Romnick Sarmenta) and his young son. The trip puts Olsen’s job at risk, but more importantly, it pulls him out of his emotional stagnation. Through unassuming conversations and shared silences, the strangers open doors to reflections on grief, loss, fatherhood, and the quiet truths we often avoid confronting.

Olsen’s Day made me cry. It is a solid father-and-son film filled with heartfelt emotions, handled with restraint and sincerity. Khalil Ramos delivers one of his most nuanced performances to date, embodying loneliness, tenderness, and quiet longing with remarkable control. Romnick Sarmenta is equally powerful—subtle, grounded, and deeply human. Together, their natural chemistry elevates the film, allowing its emotional weight to land without ever feeling forced.

What makes Olsen’s Day especially resonant is its use of metaphor and symbolism. The story never “slaps you in the face”; instead, it trusts the audience to feel, reflect, and connect the dots. It is creatively done and emotionally challenging to watch—not because it is loud or dramatic, but because it feels honest.

A must-watch and possibly the best entry in Puregold CinePanalo 2025, Olsen’s Day is a gentle yet powerful reminder that sometimes, the most important journeys are the ones we never planned to take.

My Verdict: 5/5