REVIEW: ‘Call Me Mother’ gives birth to a New Child Wonder

As the Christmas season arrives, all eyes are on the much-anticipated family comedy Call Me Mother. Led by box-office superstar Vice Ganda and award-winning actress Nadine Lustre, the film raises the question: will it truly “mother” in both story and performances?

Call Me Mother follows Twinkle, a queer mother, who is preparing to formally adopt her son, Angelo, by finalizing his adoption papers. However, a legal requirement forces her to reconnect with Angelo’s biological mother, former beauty queen Mara. As the two strike an uneasy agreement, long-buried emotions, conflicts, and truths resurface—raising the question of who truly has the right to be called Angelo’s mother.

Comedy That Knows When to Mother

If you’ve been following Vice Ganda’s films, it’s already no surprise that he consistently delivers laughs and signature antics. Just last year, however, he revealed a new facet of his talent by flexing his dramatic chops in And The Breadwinner Is—a glimpse that hinted at greater depth to come. This year’s MMFF entry may well be his strongest yet, striking a balance between comedy and drama, knowing exactly when to lean into humor and when to get serious.

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star Cinema

While some comedies struggle to transition smoothly into dramatic moments, Call Me Mother proves otherwise. The film’s effectiveness owes much to the confident direction of Jun Lana, who knows exactly how to guide both the humor and the heart.

The film glimmers with the polish of a classic mainstream family movie, yet its cinematography does more than just look good—it guides your emotions. From the warmth of lighthearted moments to the edge-of-your-seat tension in dramatic scenes, every shot knows exactly how to make you feel. One example is the chaotic climax, where the film sheds its glossy comedy facade entirely, plunging the audience into raw, gripping intensity.

Painting a Flawed Mother

The film tackles a very important topic—adoption. It walks the audience through the process with care, and the writing ensures that the story is told thoughtfully. We see not only how heartwarming adoption can be but also the challenges and emotions that come with it.

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star Cinema

However, one noticeable aspect is how Twinkle was written. While flawed characters can be compelling, there’s little buildup to explain her fears and self-centered tendencies, which at times border on selfishness. Although the story highlights her sacrifices, from the start to the middle of the film, her actions often come across as overly antagonistic. Even with Vice Ganda’s charm, it can be difficult to root for a supposed hero who gaslights someone over consequences largely caused by her own outbursts and carelessness.

Truly “Mothering” Performances

Led by FAMAS winners Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre, the cast delivered strong, heartfelt ‘mothering’ performances.

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star CinemaDespite playing a character who can be very impulsive at times, Vice Ganda brings warmth and depth to Twinkle, serving as the character’s saving grace. He delivers one of his most effective performances to date. While comedy is always present, he also shows subtle growth, allowing Twinkle’s arc to unfold naturally and helping the audience connect with him.

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star CinemaMeanwhile, award-winning actress Nadine Lustre once again showcases her natural acting prowess. She makes the most of what’s given to her, never going over the top with a trope often seen in family dramas. One particular scene with Lucas’ Angelo feels strikingly real, carried by just the right amount of restraint and emotion.

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star CinemaSurprisingly, she also proves effective in comedy, arguably delivering the film’s funniest moment in her “bike” scene. The same ease is evident when she portrays a beauty queen where she radiates an effortless glow, making it believable as if she had truly lived through the experience.

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star CinemaAside from the two leads, the supporting cast also proves to be equally strong. First-time actress and singer Klarisse De Guzman shows a natural knack for comedy, often stealing scenes with her sharp timing. 

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star Cinema

The MikBrent love team of Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo likewise displays palpable chemistry throughout, while also delivering intensity when the film calls for it, particularly in one key scene.

But perhaps one of the film’s pleasant surprises is River Joseph’s Anton, who easily charms his way into the story with a quiet, prince-charming appeal. He shares an easy chemistry with Nadine and shows promise as one of the next-generation leading men to watch out for.

A New Child Wonder Is Born

Vice Ganda was definitely not exaggerating when he said that child actor Lucas Andalio was among the strongest performers in the cast. Lucas portrays Angelo with remarkable heart and sincerity, making it easy for the audience to connect with him. Whether in emotionally heavy scenes or in quieter, more tender moments, he delivers each beat with truth that feels genuine and affecting.

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star Cinema

It’s indeed a breath of fresh air to see a young talent with so much more to offer than just charm. Lucas delivers a consistently strong performance, making you root for him and the happy ending his fairytale deserves. As the film tells the story of adoption, he brings depth to Angelo that makes it easy to imagine what a child experiencing this journey might truly feel.

In the film’s climactic moments, Lucas delivers a standout performance that makes you ache to step into the story and keep him safe, a testament to just how effective he was throughout the movie.

The Motherly Lesson

COURTESY: ABS-CBN Star Cinema

Call Me Mother delivers on what its teaser promised—showing how mothers are made. Cliché as it may sound, the film never loses sight of its message that mothers are not born, but shaped through love, sacrifice, and care. The story unfolds with a realistic touch, reflecting societal realities around adoption, biological mothers, and the bonds that extend far beyond blood.

At the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal, Call Me Mother tied with Manila’s Finest for 3rd Best Picture. Vice Ganda bagged the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, while Lucas Andalio brought home the award for Best Child Performer. 

Catch Call Me Mother, now showing in cinemas nationwide.