Flower Girl (2025 film)

Flower Girl
Theatrical release poster
Directed byFatrick Tabada
Written byFatrick Tabada
Rod Marmol
Starring
CinematographyKara Moreno
Production
companies
  • The IdeaFirst Company
  • OctoberTrain Films
  • CreaZion Studios
Distributed by
  • CreaZion Studios
Release dates
  • June 18, 2025 (2025-06-18) (Philippines)
  • July 27, 2025 (2025-07-27) (NYAFF)
Running time
75 minutes[1]
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino

Flower Girl is a 2025 Filipino fantasy comedy film directed by Fatrick Tabada. It stars Sue Ramirez, Martin del Rosario, Jameson Blake, Maxie Andreison, KaladKaren, Donna Cariaga and Mae Paner. Produced by OctoberTrain Films, CreaZion Studios, and The IdeaFirst Company, it premiered in the Philippines on June 18, 2025.

The film was selected as the closing film of the 2025 New York Asian Film Festival and had its international premiere on July 27, 2025.

Plot

Ena (Sue Ramirez), a commercial model, mocks a trans woman in a public restroom and is cursed by a trans fairy (KaladKaren) to lose her vagina. To reverse the curse, she must find genuine love before the enchanted flower given to her loses its final petal. During her journey, she confronts her own transphobia and reassesses her preconceived notions about gender and identity.

Cast

Production

The film marks Fatrick Tabada’s feature-length directorial debut, transitioning from screenwriter to director to preserve the "unapologetically queer" tone of his screenplay. Filming took place in late 2024 in Metro Manila, with Tabada drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the discrimination faced by trans women.[6] An intimacy coordinator was used, marking a more respectful approach to filming intimate scenes.[7]

Release

The film was released nationwide in the Philippines on June 18, 2025.[8] It was the closing film at the 2025 New York Asian Film Festival, premiering internationally on July 27, 2025.[9]

Reception

Critics praised its bold blend of slapstick, magical realism, and social commentary:

Rolling Stone Philippines called it a "lesson on transphobia" and lauded its irreverence and timing during Pride Month.[10] Tatler Asia noted its "sharp, candy‑coated commentary" about identity and self‑worth, stating “Flower Girl is a rare rom‑com with teeth”.[11]

Januar Junior Aguja of The Philippine Star gave the film 4 stars out of 5 and said; highlighted Tabada’s courageous direction, Sue Ramirez’s comedic bravery, and the film’s respectful handling of intimate scenes.[12]

The Manila Times reported that the premiere earned genuine applause for its fearless storytelling and emotional resonance.[13]

Themes

Flower Girl explores gender identity, transphobia, body politics, and self‑acceptance through a playful yet provocative lens. The film uses comedy to challenge social norms and invites audiences including homophobic or transphobic viewers to question their biases.[14][15]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Flower Girl [MA 15+]". Australian Classification Board. November 18, 2025. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  2. ^ Felipe, MJ (May 24, 2025). "In 'Flower Girl,' Sue Ramirez is on hunt for lost 'womanhood'". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  3. ^ Ruiz, Marah (June 18, 2025). "Martin del Rosario, umaasang maaaliw at matututo ang mga manonood sa 'Flower Girl'". GMA Network. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  4. ^ Arraz, Primo (May 24, 2025). "Jameson Blake Excited for 'Flower Girl' Release, Shares Insight on His Personality and the Film's Deeper Message". The Chronicle. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  5. ^ Manila Santos, Rhea (May 25, 2025). "EXCLUSIVE: Maxie Andreison is happy to return to acting in new comedy 'Flower Girl'". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on May 25, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  6. ^ Leung, Grace M. (June 7, 2025). "Seriously funny: A conversation with 'Flower Girl' director Fatrick Tabada". Philstarlife. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  7. ^ Panaligan, Andrea (June 27, 2025). "'Flower Girl' doesn't want you to read between the legs". Philstarlife. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  8. ^ Manila Santos, Rhea (May 6, 2025). "Sue Ramirez plays a woman without a private part in new film 'Flower Girl'". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  9. ^ Pasajol, Anne. "'Flower Girl' to close 2025 New York Asian Film Festival". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  10. ^ Wang, Mel (June 10, 2025). "'Flower Girl' is a Lesson on Transphobia, Says Director Fatrick Tabada". Rolling Stone Philippines. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  11. ^ Inocencio, Syrah Vivien (June 20, 2025). "What 'Flower Girl' gets right (and wrong) about love, identity and self-worth". Tatler Asia. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  12. ^ Aguja, Januar Junior (June 20, 2025). "Sue Ramirez bares all in 'Flower Girl' with a strong comedic turn". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 5, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  13. ^ "Stars, satire and Sue Ramirez steal the spotlight at 'Flower Girl' preem". The Manila Times. June 18, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  14. ^ "Sue Ramirez goes bold and unapologetic in gender-bending comedy 'Flower Girl'". LionhearTV. MSN. June 27, 2025. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  15. ^ Bautista, Rafael (June 19, 2025). "Direk Fatrick Tabada Made 'Flower Girl' For The Girls, Gays, And Haters". Nylon. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
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