Belyas (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Belyas (2025) is a bold and provocative drama that delves into themes of self-discovery, female empowerment, and the complexities of personal freedom. Directed by GB Sampedro and co-written by Marvic Kevin Reyes, this film showcases an intriguing narrative centered around a housewife who finds herself captivated by the uninhibited lifestyle of two young prostitutes who rent her apartment. Starring Audrey Avila, Denise Esteban, and Dani Yoshida, Belyas promises an intense viewing experience filled with emotional depth, sensuality, and raw storytelling.
Currently, the movie is available for streaming exclusively on Vivamax, making it accessible to audiences seeking daring, unconventional storytelling.
Synopsis
The story follows Belyas (Audrey Avila), a housewife suffocated by her controlling husband and trapped in a monotonous life. Everything changes when two young prostitutes, played by Denise Esteban and Dani Yoshida, move into her apartment. As she grows close to them, she becomes intrigued by their sexual freedom and uninhibited lifestyle. What starts as fascination soon turns into self-exploration, challenging her beliefs, desires, and ultimately, her sense of identity.
While the movie aims to depict female empowerment in its own way, it does so through the signature lens of Vivamax—sensual, dramatic, and highly stylized. However, does Belyas truly succeed in delivering a compelling narrative, or does it fall into the common pitfalls of erotic drama? Let’s break it down.
Performances and Character Analysis
Audrey Avila as Belyas
Avila’s portrayal of the oppressed housewife seeking liberation is central to the film’s emotional weight. However, her performance has been met with mixed reactions. While she embodies vulnerability, her emotional transitions at times feel forced, making it difficult for the audience to fully immerse themselves in her transformation.
Denise Esteban & Dani Yoshida as the Free-Spirited Prostitutes
Both Esteban and Yoshida bring sensuality and confidence to their roles. However, Yoshida’s acting has been criticized for lacking emotional depth, making some key scenes feel less impactful. Their characters symbolize sexual liberation, but the execution sometimes feels more performative than natural.
Matt Francisco as the Husband
Francisco’s performance as the controlling husband lacks the intensity needed to make him a truly menacing antagonist. His portrayal, while competent, doesn’t evoke enough emotional weight to make the audience deeply invested in Belyas’ struggle for independence.
Cinematography and Directing
Director GB Sampedro attempts to blend eroticism with deeper themes of self-discovery, but the execution is inconsistent. The cinematography, while visually appealing in some moments, suffers from excessive use of fade-to-black transitions, making the film feel disjointed.
Additionally, the slow-motion sex scenes—rather than enhancing the emotional intensity—often disrupt the film’s pacing. The musical scoring is another weak point, with mismatched tones that sometimes feel disorienting rather than immersive.
Editing and Narrative Flow
The biggest flaw in Belyas lies in its editing. Scenes are abruptly cut and stitched together, making the film feel more like a series of disjointed moments rather than a cohesive story. There is also an over-reliance on forced dialogues that attempt to deliver profound messages but come off as unnatural and preachy.
The ending, which appears to mimic a Charlie’s Angels-style resolution, feels out of place. While it tries to establish a sense of empowerment, it instead leaves the audience questioning the film’s overall message.
Themes and Execution
The film attempts to explore themes of female empowerment, self-liberation, and breaking free from societal constraints. However, the execution leans too heavily into eroticism, making it difficult to take its deeper messages seriously. The film’s potential for thought-provoking storytelling is overshadowed by its focus on stylized sensuality, which, while appealing to a certain audience, may not resonate with viewers seeking a more nuanced portrayal of empowerment.
Where to Watch Belyas Online
For those interested in experiencing Belyas, the movie is available for streaming exclusively on Vivamax. You can watch it here. As of now, there are no rental or purchase options available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play in the U.S.
Final Verdict – Should You Watch Belyas?
Pros:
✅ Unique premise exploring self-discovery and empowerment
✅ Visually appealing cinematography in select scenes
✅ Denise Esteban’s and Audrey Avila’s performances add intrigue
Cons:
❌ Weak dialogue and unnatural character interactions
❌ Poor editing with excessive fade-to-black transitions
❌ Mismatched musical scoring
❌ Inconsistent acting performances
Belyas is a film that attempts to tackle important themes but struggles with execution. While it may appeal to viewers looking for a mix of eroticism and drama, it falls short of delivering a truly impactful narrative. If you enjoy Vivamax’s signature storytelling style, this film may be worth a watch—but if you’re looking for a well-crafted, thought-provoking drama, Belyas might not fully satisfy.
