Have you ever watched the Japanese animated film called 5 centimeters per second?

If you did, you’ll understand the deep melancholic feeling of grieving a person in your life who is only a part of your season. And while a totally different film, Sandy (2026) evoked the same melancholic feeling I had when I first watched 5 centimeters per second.

Sandy (2026) is a feature film by Neo Bryce Largo that was shot for two-years across Davao and Panabo City. It’s a self-funded film and shot during weekends across the two-years. It’s shot in a mockumentary style where the film follows the life of Sandy (played by Christabel Erica Nicolas) as she navigates the days remaining with her bestfriend, Michelle (played by Agatha Mariaca Libera), before she leaves the Philippines to migrate and live in the US for good.

The film follows Sandy as she struggles to cope with her best friend’s impending departure, creating an emotional tension that keeps the audience questioning the true nature of her feelings. It re-tells the backstory of their friendship through character interviews and through their day-to-day life until Michelle leaves to America.

As the story unfolds, it subtly blurs the line between friendship and romantic affection, leaving both Sandy and the viewers uncertain about what she truly feels. The storytelling is effective in its direction as it immerses the audience in Sandy’s confusion, making you experience her emotional journey alongside her.

What makes the story compelling is its relatability. It captures the profound sadness of having to let go of someone who has been a significant part of your life and watching them pursue their dreams elsewhere. The film reflects a reality familiar to many Filipinos: leaving the Philippines in search of better opportunities and a brighter future.

Despite the humor of looking for an “afam” being mentioned more than once in the film, this is a reality, and many of us would have jokingly said this at least once in our lives.

Its emotional core remains grounded in truth because, at one point or another, we were Sandy. All we can do is reconcile our feelings so we can support the people we love even when it means letting them go.

And to add to the complication, Sandy, is a young adult who is navigating her romantic feelings towards her best friend which seems to be a universal experience for queer people.

While I enjoyed the story, the movie isn’t perfect. As a viewer, there were scenes that felt out of place, and montages that feel a little too drawn out. There were some scenes that felt too long and felt it didn’t advance the plot.

There were a lot of close-up shots especially with the ice cream scene that felt weird and could be cut from the film or re-shot from a different angle.

I struggled with the continuity of the story. Some scenes felt like it was stitched to fill in gaps rather than advance the plot. When you thought this part of the story has ended, a new scene would unexpectedly pop out disrupting the flow of the narrative. This is especially noticeable on some parts of the first act and the film’s final act, where it weakens the emotional cohesion of the storytelling.

However, overall, the film is good. It feels grounded, and there is a comforting feeling of silence in this film. It’s not a film that’s eventful, but it’s a movie that gives you space to ponder with each scene as you navigate with Sandy in her world.

There were scenes that were remarkable and were shot beautifully. The last scene with Sandy’s mother overlooking the bay and the last scene with Sandy and Michelle saying their goodbye during the despedida party were perfect.

Above all else, what I especially love about the film is that it portrays the everyday life of an ordinary person in Davao and Panabo. It’s a story of someone’s lived truth. The surroundings felt lived in. The people felt like actual people and not NPCs. The stillness and silence in the movie felt comfortable. The film also included scenes celebrating a Davao festival, which beautifully reinforced Davao at its core.

Sandy (2026) is the first movie I’ve watched in a special screening. It was screened at QH Cafe last September 26, 2026, and we got an exclusive interview with the cast and director. This film is special for the director, as it comes from his own experience and is inspired by the stories of others in the Sapphic/Queer community.

I am grateful for the opportunity and would love to watch more stories like this in the future.

I hope this inspires you to search for locally made movies like Sandy. So, if you have the chance, go watch Sandy (2026). There will be a free screening at Cinematheque Centre Davao on October 16, 2026, Friday at 7PM. The cast and crew will host a talkback discussion.