Jodi Sta. Maria shared her honest thoughts on a review of “Midnight Girls,” in which she plays the lead role of a Filipina entertainer in Japan.
Photo: Jodi Sta. Maria/Instagram
On X, a netizen shared a screenshot of a Letterboxd review by “Je,” who suggested that the characters in the film should have done something else. The review read, “Life choice: I think you can still find a decent job if you really want to. Just saying.”
Imagine this being your takeaway from Midnight Girls (2026)…….WHAT HAPPENED TO MEDIA LITERACY 😫😫😫 https://t.co/R1BpggA1Yt
— nathan (@pinathbutter) October 3, 2026
Jodi then responded to the review via her X account. In her post, she questioned whether the user’s statement was their only “takeaway” from the entire film.
Sure there are always other choices. Pero honestly, yan na yung take away mo sa buong film?
Para sakin it was more about understanding that people make choices based on their situation, struggles, and survival. Malungkot ang realidad na hindi lahat nabibigyan ng same opportunities, support, or even starting point sa buhay. Sadly, life is not as simple as “just find a decent job.”— Jodi Sta.Maria (@JodiStaMaria) October 4, 2026
“Sure there are always other choices. Pero honestly, yan na yung take away mo sa buong film?” Jodi wrote.
The actress also noted that some people are faced with a harsher reality, which meant not getting the same opportunities or support, unlike the others.
She added, “Para sa akin, it was more about understanding that people make choices based on their situation, struggles, and survival. Malungkot ang realidad na hindi lahat nabibigyan ng same opportunities, support, or even starting point sa buhay. Sadly, life is not as simple as ‘just find a decent job.'”
Netizens backed the actress’ statement, applauding the film’s honest take on Filipinos working away from home to provide for their families.
Fellow actor Wilbert Ross also supported the award-winning actress’ response. On X, he even responded to a netizen who argued that those who are facing their lowest points had to settle for what was available to them.
Congrats sa mga taong mga choice lage sa buhay 👏.
— Wilbert Ross (@itswilbertross) October 4, 2026
“Di lahat privileged with good option?? Di pa ba good option ang sure kang makakakain ka 3 times a day. May matutulugan ka na maayos. May bahay na mapapamana sayo. May safety net ka incase magkamali ka ng decision?” he wrote. “Medyo di ko gets yung point mo. Parehong worst pala so pipiliin mo yung less worst. Edi ganun din yun. You still have the worst options. Hahaha.”
Released in May 2026, “Midnight Girls” revolves around the lives and friendship of four Filipina entertainers in Japan as they face individual struggles and navigate life far from home. Apart from Jodi, the film also starred Sanya Lopez, Jane Oineza, and Loisa Andalio.
As of writing, “Midnight Girls” topped the “Top 10 Movies in the Philippines today” list of a popular streaming platform.
ALSO READ: Jodi Sta. Maria on Filipino Resilience Amid Typhoons: “This shouldn’t be our only story”
