While the film opens with a disclaimer that the events and characters depicted in ‘Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan’ are purely fictional, there’s no doubt on the event that director and writer Dustin Celestino is exploring in his movie. The narrative begins during an election, where a woman candidate loses, leaving her campaign team, Kiko (Jojit Lorenzo) and David (Zanjoe Marudo) to deal with the crushing blow of defeat. Kiko’s wife, Bea (Dolly De Leon), a history professor, begins to spiral after the winning candidate turns out to be the son of the former president whose regime caused the disappearance of her father decades prior. In the midst of this, David begins dating Mela (Mylene Dizon), a constitutional lawyer and the daughter of the general who is suspected of being the executioner of that same president.

These four characters wrestle and struggle with the shifting political landscape, dissecting the loss of history through technology and changing social norms, while desperately trying figure out where hopes lies when the truth no longer holds power.

Once again, Celestino takes what is essentially a theatrical narrative and manages to turn it cinematic by his dynamic use of camerawork, lensed by the incredible Kara Moreno. Each duet (as most of the scenes happen with only two people talking) or the powerful dinner sequence with all four leads together, can be imagined as scenes from a play. They are verbose, the characters figuring out the world through dialogue. It’s didactic, for sure, but the setup is so precise that allows for these conversations to happen.

Kiko and David, former speechwriters for the female presidential candidate, are articulate and intelligent. David even being a professor of Greek mythology before joining the campaign. Kiko and Bea are also intelligent and articulate people, with Bea being a history professor. All their conversations echo the kind of conversations that might have transpired back in 2022, on the actual election that this film is obviously inspired from.

Adding to the mix is Mela (Mylene Dizon), the mercenary constitutional lawyer who grew up in privilege and possesses the strength and confidence to speak her mind. She, too, is a forced to be reckoned with. These characters and the situations Celestino chooses to portray onscreen is permissible for his exercise in exploring the issues of disinformation and the absence of truth (or the lack of power of truth) in today’s socio-political discourse.

Moreno’s close-ups are strikingly intense, they move in really close, oftentimes cutting off the headroom at the top of the frame, as Celestino is putting equal emphasis on their emotions as well as their reasoning; even when emotions sometimes overcome reason. It is so close, almost claustrophobic, that I feel that a story that is talking about real-world events needs a shot of the world being discussed.

As I’m watching this film, and enjoying this philosophical debate, I found myself looking for the world that they are talking about. Maybe some exterior shots, some long shots of the characters within that milieu. By keeping everything so close and so intimate and personal, I do not see the world that the characters are struggling so hard to save. 

With this powerhouse cast, though, the acting is superb. It’s an ensemble piece that also features Anna Luna as Mela’s sister, Nanding Josef as Mela’s father, Frances Makil-Ignacio as the female presidential candidate, and Andoy Ranay as the newly elected president. Each one delivers a nuanced performance, barely acting, just being their characters. They throw the lines so effortlessly, truly encapsulating the character’s milieu, their intelligence.

But the scene-stealer here is Mylene Dizon. Her character is so complex and is right at the point of realisation, as she is dating the activist, David. She balances between indifference and waking up to the horrors of her family’s past. It’s such a delicate moment for her character, and Dizon nails the performance to a tee.

On a technical level, ‘Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan’ is an exquisitely crafted film. Its movement between characters, crisp dialogue, and masterful shots and framing are all executed to perfection. The performances are exemplary (and may win the film an acting ensemble award). However, its focus on just its characters can make the film feel small when it’s talking about a society that is crumbling apart. It’s intelligent but its emotions can feel stifled by having it focused solely on the characters. What is sure is that this film has an intended audience, a cinematic group hug for people who underwent the same thoughts and emotions these characters are going through. 

Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan is showing on the big screen! Check cinema showtimes near you and grab your tickets today!

This year, don’t miss Cinemalaya 21: LAYAG sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos happening from October 3-12, 2025! Witness another stellar lineup of stories that will move you and showcase the brilliance of Philippine cinema. Follow the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Cinemalaya for updates!