Philippine entertainment has long been steeped in the “Cinderella syndrome,” where the heroine quietly bears every burden in family, work, and love life until a neat, tearful resolution arrives. Kontrabida Academy gleefully shreds that formula. Chris Martinez’s satire gathers an all-star lineup of screen villains from every era, from Rez Cortez and Odette Khan to Dimples Romana and Baron Geisler, and asks what happens when the people we love to hate become our teachers.
At the center is Barbie Forteza, who plays a young woman fed up with endless suffering. Her character finally says “enough,” enrolling in a tongue-in-cheek finishing school for antagonists. The concept is delightfully absurd yet surprisingly resonant: to overcome life’s bullies, you may need to study their tactics. Martinez directs with a sly wink, mixing slapstick gags with sharp commentary on how Filipino dramas condition audiences to endure rather than fight back.
.png) |
| Barbie Forteza (Gigi) and Eugene Domingo (Mauricia) |
Eugene Domingo shines as the Academy's top student and the main villain in the soap opera Batas ng Api. She practically hands Barbie a permission slip for revenge, and their chemistry is effortless. Domingo’s razor-sharp timing balances Forteza’s earnestness, allowing the comedy to land without sacrificing emotional depth. The supporting cast of legendary kontrabidas provides a masterclass in villainy, each cameo both a parody and a tribute to the archetypes they helped create. The film also gives clever nods to the actors' most iconic roles in movies and television, rewarding longtime fans with inside jokes and references.
Adding a playful twist, Susan Africa makes a surprise appearance representing the “San Bida Academy” a fun insert that highlights the eternal tug-of-war between heroes and villains.
.png) |
| Susan Africa |
Beneath the laughs, Kontrabida Academy carries a pointed message: stop settling for the status quo. Through Forteza’s transformation and even the chorus of background extras finding their voice, the film urges viewers to speak up, challenge unfair systems, and claim agency in their own stories. It is a refreshing twist on the melodramatic template that has long defined local television and film.
Funny, clever, and unexpectedly empowering, Kontrabida Academy is more than a comedy about villains; it is a rousing call to rewrite the narrative.
Cast also includes Carmina Villaroel, Jameson Blake, Yasser Mata, Xyriel Manabat, Celia Rodriguez, Jean Garcia, Gladys Reyes, Pinky Amador, Mylene Dizon, Jaime Fabregas, Michael De Mesa, and Myrtle Sarrosa. Now streaming on Netflix.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Posts
