Introduction
“Salisihan” is a 2024 Filipino movie that tells the story of a couple’s journey to conceiving a child. It is a film that puts the heart-wrenching struggle of infertility under the lens. It marks a directorial debut of Iar Arondaing. As a director and writer, under his vision, the film has a gentle yet profound approach to life’s milestones and the people it brings, or takes, along the way, weaving a tale of love, regret, and hope.
Just under an hour in length, “Salisihan” is an intimate examination of core human themes, particularly family, self-forgiveness, and the partner’s healing. There is no aim to impress or rush to create an impact. Within the film, the viewer will be rewarded with lightly philosophical ideas delivered through gentle reflections and humanistic storytelling. Most contemplation concerning the film centers around the delicate question of intimacy and caring.
Plot Synopsis
Salisihan’ revolves around the lives of a couple, Dan and Anna, who are married for quite some time but remain childless. Their life is quiet and built around an unspoken yet palpable love. Their life begins to change with the arrival of a young woman named Sophie. As is the common theme with couples that are faced with struggles with infertility, becoming parents is a heartfelt wish, but often an elusive endeavor. The mental and emotional strain a couple goes through when trying to conceive takes a silent toll, often being felt instead of verbalized.
Sophie is searching for someone named Gab, and Gab is presumed to either reside in, or be somehow affiliated with, the house. To her surprise, Gab is actually Dan’s son from a relationship that, until now, Anna could only understand in fragments. Sophie is temporarily sheltered by the couple, all the while feeling abandoned and directionless.
Her stay begins to tip the balance in the careful order that Anna and Dan had established. Initially, she is a visitor; however, her subsequent vulnerability, with the progression of her pregnancy, evokes long-suppressed feelings in Anna, while Dan is dragged to confront the reality of his past. Sophie’s presence compels him to be honest with himself and with Anna. For her part, Anna views Sophie’s pregnancy as a portrayal of her own unrealized wishes—dreams that remain unfulfilled.
“Salisihan” tells not so much a story of conflict as a story of slow, quiet processes of reflection. Through gentle dialogues and soft disclosures, the text aims to show how, through no design of their own, three individuals must unbend together, be forgiving, and rewire themselves to be needed in the middle of the emotional fog.
Main Characters and Performances
Zsara Tiblani portrays Anna, who is the emotional core of the film. Tiblani’s portrayal of the character Anna conveys the subtle sadness of a woman who has long wished for a child, to the point that hope has started to wane. Anna’s sympathy toward Sophie is palpable, yet saturated with the anguish of thwarted hope.
Dan is a character played by Chester Grecia, who is a man divided between the past and present. His choice to let Sophie in—and with that, the truth—shackles him into an exposed and vulnerable state. Dan’s part is captured through subtle performance in a way that the viewers directly resonate with Dan’s conflict.
Amabella De Leon Sophie, who played a character with a gentle yet strong persona. She embodies new hope and new challenges. She is searching for an anchor, and her character is young and unsure. De Leon’s portrayal is of gentle strength, firm yet ever so delicate.
Every performance captured the soft tone of the film. The characters spoke in whispers, and in gestures. They do not scream at each other. The emotional tension of the narrative is built through what is not said and that is what makes it extremely relatable.
Direction and Tone
With a light hand, director Iar Arondaing avoids the traps of overdramatization, instead telling a more intimate story: quiet meals, nighttime conversations, and the long, thoughtful silences that occur when people are at a loss for words.
This style is shown through the cinematography, which features close shots, soft lighting, and a gentle pace, creating a warm and contemplative atmosphere. The home where most of the film takes place comes alive becomes a character in its own right—a place filled with comfort but also emotional tension.
Musical elements, though present, are not dominant, which allows for natural sounds and dialogue to take precedence. This increases the film’s realism, and though its pacing may feel slow for some, the tempo allows for deeper character engagement, reflection, and empathy.
Themes and Symbolism
Salisihan touches on several universal themes:
Longing for Family: Anna’s desire to become a mother is the film’s emotional center. The filmmakers express her quiet sadness through grace, capturing the emotional toll of unfulfilled longing.
Confronting the Past: Dan faces a history he has attempted to escape. Sophie’s arrival into the picture transforms history into the present. He has to learn to own up to his past mistakes while balancing the life he has built with Anna.
Empathy and Forgiveness: The film’s portrayal of empathy suggests that it does not always come readily. It requires emotional maturity, understanding, and oftentimes, surrender. Each character has the choice to either let go and move forward with compassion, or to cling onto resentment.
New Beginnings: While the story unfolds slowly, its conclusion provides a sense of quiet optimism. The characters are not offered ideal solutions, but are extended something far more valuable—a chance to start anew.
Reception and Impact
While “Salisihan” may not have captured the attention of the mainstream, its emotional depth and reflective storytelling has resonated with audiences who appreciate character-driven narratives. The film’s minimalist approach may not appeal to those seeking a more fast-paced experience, but for those drawn to intimately and emotionally told stories, “Salisihan” provides a richly rewarding experience.
This film’s reception indicates a specific yet appreciative demographic that prioritizes authenticity over dramatics. “Salisihan” invites the audience to reflect not only during, but also long after the credits have rolled.
Conclusion
“Salisihan” is a moving study of the intricacies of love, sorrow, and the possibility of second chances. It encourages the audience to stop, to engage, and to consider what is essential in the relationships we build and the emotions we share. By means of gentle narratives and emotionally anchored storytelling, the film illustrates that the journey towards healing often commences in the most minute of instances, and that, at times, the most powerful decision is the choice to care.
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