Netflix has officially unveiled the trailer for 18th Rose, the streaming platform’s first original Filipino film for 2026—offering audiences a glimpse into the heartfelt coming-of-age world of Rose (Xyriel Manabat) and Jordan (Kyle Echarri), set against the backdrop of early 2000s Romblon.
Speaking at the New on Netflix event held in February, Xyriel shared how deeply she connected with her character: “Everything came along naturally, because I believed Rose, I trusted Rose, and I fell in love with Rose.”
The film marks not only Manabat’s debut leading lady role, but also her first on-screen pairing with Echarri, whose real-life friendship with the actress helped shape their dynamic and chemistry throughout the production period: “It was smooth and effortless (because) me and Kyle have known each other for a very long time. So for the first few days (of shooting), we were just joking around. Each sequence we closed, we built a deeper connection with each other.”
For director and writer Dolly Dulu, the early 2000s setting is a deliberate creative choice meant to transport viewers back to a simpler time, making the film an opportunity to relive life before instant messaging and social media took over, and then creating the perfect backdrop to a tender, transformative love story.
“18th Rose is a small-town film; I wanted to capture the feeling of small-town movies in the Philippines.”
18th Rose invites viewers to lean into the nostalgia and look back on our own pivotal moments at 18—to a time of love and life and everything in between.
Catch the global launch of ‘18th Rose’ on April 9. Only on Netflix.
ABOUT 18TH ROSE
Logline: A spirited teen dreaming of the perfect debut makes a deal with a lonely newcomer, but unexpected feelings and revelations may shatter their plans.
Launch Date: April 9, 2026
Cast: Xyriel Manabat, Kyle Echarri
Director: Dolly Dulu
Writer: Dolly Dulu, John Carlo Pacala