Enter the world of Dreamboi, a psychosexual drama-thriller that explores the colorful yet dangerous world of being a trans woman. As we peel back the film’s neon façade, we uncover a story shaped by resilience—both on and off screen—and hear from the people who brought this film to life.
Here is SEA Wave’s High Five Movie Review of Dreamboi.
An Exploration of Desire
Diwa’s object of desire — Dreamboi (Tony Labrusca) | Still from Viva
Longing sits at the heart of Dreamboi. The titular character, an erotic voice actor (Tony Labrusca), becomes the embodiment of the fantasies of Diwa (EJ Jallorina)—offering her both escape from and fulfillment of the yearnings she can’t find in the real world. The film examines how far one will go to satisfy such craving, even if it means confronting the darkness and uncertainty that follow.
As director Rodina Singh explains, Diwa’s fixation on Dreamboi stems from something deeper: “Diwa buys Dreamboi’s audio porn because she’s struggling with the fact that her libido is fading — something that reflects the reality of many trans people. This film aims to explore the real-life conditions that contribute to that loss of desire, instead of blaming it on hormones, as people often do. We hope to explore that while treading the fine line between danger and pleasure.”
But Dreamboi’s exploration goes beyond the physical. It is sensual yet never shallow, delving into what Diwa—and her sisters in the trans community—truly long for: acceptance. To be able to find comfort in… a comfort room. To live without fear that a simple walk at night or intimacy with a man could cost them their life.
It’s not just a sexy thriller; it’s a raw, poetic journey, and an odyssey of sound and color.
Where Sound Meets Vision
Diwa (EJ Jallorina) dancing during the film’s final act | Still from Viva
Sound design plays a crucial role in shaping Dreamboi’s tone. At times, you’ll find yourself drowning in heavy bass during scenes meant to feel uncomfortable, mirroring the character’s emotions and the scene’s intent. Other moments are layered with unsettling scoring that creates an eerie atmosphere bordering on horror—a choice that works in the film’s favor, as it reflects the terrifying reality of being a trans woman in today’s society.
The music also amplifies the visuals, especially during the film’s climactic act, where the entire sequence flows with the rhythm of the song. You’ll be moved emotionally and physically as you dance along to the soundtrack and grasp its significance to Diwa’s growth and journey as a trans woman.
Director Rodina Singh recalls how the film’s sound and score came to life in collaboration with composer Silas:
“Because that’s how Silas is when he scores a film — that’s really how he works. Our process takes a long time. Just imagine the kinds of conversations we’ve had; it’s almost like this talkback session. He’d ask me questions, and I’d go off telling stories this long, just for him to come up with a song — or find an old, unfinished one that fits the film perfectly.”
Dreamboi also makes use of distinct visual techniques and personification of its themes. Visually, the film is rich, tantalizing, and euphoric, often indulging viewers in a neon escapade that feels both provocative and intimate. The colors themselves become a statement, representing the trans community with vibrance and pride, a visual and sonic triumph that later earned the film Best Sound, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography at CineSilip Film Festival Awards Night.
For the Dolls, By the Dolls
Photos from of @dreamboixx
While Tony Labrusca may be the poster boy for Dreamboi, the film is, at its core, made by trans women for trans women. It sheds light on the struggles of their community—from being denied basic rights to facing threats simply for existing. And while it places trans struggle at the forefront, it doesn’t exploit it; instead, it confronts these realities without resorting to depicting the violence itself.
Director Rodina Singh explains, “We shot the scene where the abuse happened, but for the dolls to truly see this fantasy, there were things we had to swallow a bit. It’s meant to be uncomfortable to watch — but not so uncomfortable that you can’t still feel the pleasure in it. Because that’s what we’re used to — threading desire through fear.”
With Singh’s direction and a predominantly trans woman cast led by EJ Jallorina, Dreamboi delivers authentic representation through performances that feel deeply personal. By having trans women at the helm, the film doesn’t just tell their stories; it understands them — who they are, what they want, and what they long for.
Dreamboi becomes a moving piece of cinema that resonates with the community it represents. It tells trans women’s stories with care and compassion, reminding us that in a world often cruel to their kind, fantasy can be the only safe place left to dream.
Lost in the Twilight Zone
Still from ClickTheCity.com
Since Dreamboi primarily focuses on Diwa and her fantasy, it often cuts to scenes where she imagines Dreamboi. As the story progresses, the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur — and by the end, you’re left wondering if something really happened to Diwa, or was it all just in her head?
Director Rodina Singh shares that this was intentional—to blur the boundaries and leave audiences questioning what was real and what was imagined. “The concept of Dreamboi came from that idea of having a doll friend who tells you she met a really handsome guy — and you don’t quite believe her. It’s about when dolls get to live out a fantasy. We all have that moment of asking ourselves, ‘Should I believe it or not?’ I wanted the audience to feel that same uncertainty — to test them and leave them wondering: will you choose to believe, or dismiss it as just her fantasy?”
Dreamboi is the kind of film that challenges your perception as a viewer. It’s like getting lost in the Twilight Zone, trying to make sense of what’s happening. While not everything may be clear, one thing remains certain: its significance and impact are undeniable.
A Symbol of Resistance
“Dreamboi” bagged 8 of 18 awards at the CineSilip Film Festival Awards Night
Photo from of Migs Almendras
Dreamboi made noise even before its release after receiving an initial X rating and not being allowed to be shown in cinemas. Following two appeals (and revisions), the film was reclassified as R-18 just a day before its premiere at the inaugural CineSilip Film Festival.
Director Rodina Singh admits, “What the audience saw in cinemas was something we never got to preview. That’s how little time we had—the MTRCB only approved it on Tuesday (October 21), and it was set to premiere the next day. We were only able to submit the final cut by 1 PM on Wednesday (October 22). We actually saw it for the first time during the premiere night itself.”
Despite the setbacks, Dreamboi’s release became a testament to persistence and to the power of stories that refuse to be silenced. Beyond being eye-opening, it’s deeply empowering, serving as a reminder that trans stories exist and deserve not only attention but understanding.
Dreamboi was made for the big screen—its sound, color, and emotion demand to be experienced in full. And whether you loved it or not, films like this shouldn’t be silenced; they should be amplified.
With its warm reception, extended screenings, and numerous recognitions, Dreamboi proves that audiences are ready and eager to see stories that challenge, represent, and endure.
SEA Wave rates it 3.5 out of 5 waves.