Netflix picks up Filipino action film ‘Maria’

Cristine Reyes in “Maria.” (BlackOps Studios Asia)

Netflix has picked up worldwide rights to Philippines action film “Maria,” directed by Pedring Lopez and starring Cristine Reyes, reports Screen Daily.

“Maria” starts streaming on Netflix on May 17. It depicts a cartel assassin (Reyes) who refuses a mission only to find herself the target of the cartel’s merciless retaliation. Reyes is making her action debut in the film, which features traditional Filipino martial arts.

“Maria” also stars Ivan Padilla, KC Montero, Guji Lorenzana, Jennifer Lee, Andrea del Rosario, Cindy Miranda, Freddie Webb and Ronnie Lazaro.

Produced by VIVA Films, BlackOps Studios Asia and PsyOps8, “Maria” was recently released theatrically in the Philippines. It has been gaining strong reviews for acting, direction, stunts and cinematography.

Lopez has previously directed horror and action films including Nilalang, Binhi and Darkroom. He co-wrote Maria with Yz Carbonell and Rex Lopez and the crew includes cinematographer Pao Orendain, who worked with Lopez on Nilalang and Binhi.