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Marian Rivera at the red carpet and premiere night for the theatrical release of “Balota” on Oct. 11 | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista

The public screening of Marian Rivera’s movie “Balota” couldn’t have come at a better time, as those running for public office just filed their certificates of candidacy (COD) for the 2025 midterm elections and the electorate are again faced with the decision — make that bounden duty — to choose the people who shall govern them.

Cinemalaya’s 2024 blockbuster opens in cinemas nationwide starting Oct. 16, but could it be a sneak peek at what could happen in next year’s elections?

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“Balota” tells the story of Teacher Emmy (Rivera), who gets assigned as one of the board of election inspectors for her local precinct but is forced to fight tooth and nail to safeguard the rusting yellow ballot box containing the last copy of the election returns before all hell broke loose in a faraway town. As is wont in many places, the ballot box is handcuffed on her wrist for safekeeping, an unwanted burden.

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Driven by an aim to deliver insights on election fraud, corruption, bribery, and outrageous killings, the viewers witness Emmy brave through the repulsive image of politics, mustering her courage to protect the sanctity of the vote, and ensure the integrity of the elections, no matter how damaged the system was.

In truth, there was really nothing novel about the message that “Balota” wants to impart, as time and again we have seen the subject of elections being tackled in TV soaps or even in some movies.

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But what sets “Balota” apart was how it focused on one or two persons who will stand up against evil politicians, not because they are fearless; but it is because of that fear that drove them to fight back. The strength of “Balota” lies in its determination to encourage its viewers to take action and believe in the power of collective effort to scream against the massive injustice from the people in power who would rather silence the majority.

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Unlike other political films that try to give an idealistic ending that the good or the lesser evil eventually prevails, “Balota” gives an honest depiction of the grim reality of the elections, and that no matter how frustrating it is to witness the dirty politics triumph again and again, it will continue to happen and the people have to stomach it unless they will have the courage to summon their senses and elect only the deserving leaders.

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In this movie, Rivera shed her glamorous persona to play the role of a public school teacher — underpaid and overworked, frustrated that ruthless and power-hungry politicians would kill for a seat in power. At that point, Teacher Emmy’s sense of patriotism warred with self-preservation: Is it really worth it? 

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Rivera gave a career-best with her commanding performance, deserving of her Cinemalaya Best Actress award, but the rest of the cast does a noteworthy job, too. The movie kept switching gears from comedy bits to tense drama, specifically since “Balota” introduces content creators Sassa Gurl and Esnyr Ranollo in their big screen debuts. Sassa Gurl and Ranollo both set the tone that internet personalities should use their platforms to promote competency among those seeking elective position.

Directed and written by Kip Oebanda, the film also features Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Joel Saracho, Sue Prado, Mae Paner, Will Ashley, Raheel Bhyria, and Royce Cabrera.

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