CHILD NO. 82 (2025) Review
Directed by Tim Rone Villanueva
The bigness of the film covers a lot of themes, but what stood out to me is its appreciation to classic Pinoy fantasy action films. ‘Child No. 82’ is a love letter to a genre that most adults today have fond memories of. But more than the story and the film presenting classic action movie storylines, ‘Child No. 82’ tackles how biological parents, or in Max’s case, a father, either help or break a person’s identity.
JM Ibarra’s portrayal, even though it’s his big-screen debut, gives the film the young innocence it needs. His performance drives the story of the film. The way he balances the longing, curiosity, and determination allows the audience to connect with Max beyond the fantasy setting. Also worth noting is how he acted with Rochelle Pangilinan, who portrays his mother, and Irma Adlawan, who portrays the leader of his father’s fan club, is genuine. There’s a connection with all the characters he’s interacting.
The film is also relevant for its take on fanaticism. “Ganyan naman tayong mga panatiko. Madali tayong magpatawad at makalimot,” a line in the film, perfectly encapsulates the commentary on blind devotion — whether to faith, power, or even family. It subtly points to how we often choose belief over truth, forgiveness over accountability.
Director Tim Rone Villanueva manages to merge nostalgia and social reflection without losing the heart of the story. Child No. 82 thrives on familiar tropes and throwback aesthetics, but it never feels dated. The production design effectively guides the film’s shift from the nostalgia of classic fantasy action to the groundedness of the present. The film becomes a reminder of how fantasy can still be used to talk about real-world issues — identity, faith in the people we follow, and the enduring hope to be understood and loved.
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Child No. 82’ is now showing at the Red Carpet at Shangri-la Mall, Gateway Cineplex, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, UP Town Center, Market! Market! and Circuit. Rated PG by the MTRCB.