I Wish You Had Told Me, internationally titled Sana Sinabi Mo, is a 2025 Filipino drama directed and written by Shaira Advincula. Starring Juan Karlos Labajo, JC Santos, and RK Bagatsing, the film follows a young missionary whose life is shaken after his father’s death. As he unravels a long-hidden truth about his father’s forbidden past love, he leaves the Philippines and travels to Spain in search of answers.
This emotional cross-country story explores buried identities, generational trauma, and the cost of secrets within deeply traditional environments. The movie, produced in the Philippines and Spain, is distributed by Netflix and set for worldwide release on December 4, 2025.
I Wish You Had Told Me Age Rating
I Wish You Had Told Me is rated TV-MA for mature thematic content, emotional intensity, and discussions of forbidden LGBTQ+ relationships, making it suitable only for adult audiences. The rating reflects the film’s serious exploration of grief, identity, and deeply rooted family conflict.
Violence & Peril
The film does not include physical violence, but several scenes carry heavy emotional tension and psychological distress. The protagonist experiences emotional breakdowns, confrontational conversations about betrayal, and moments of spiritual conflict. Themes of mourning and suppressed truth contribute to a somber, intense tone that may feel overwhelming for younger viewers.
Language
Mature language appears intermittently, including harsh emotional outbursts during confrontations. While profanity is not constant, strong words may be used in moments of grief, anger, and revelation. The film also includes sensitive religious dialogue connected to the protagonist’s crisis of faith.
Mature Themes
This is the core reason for the TV-MA rating. The narrative explores secret LGBTQ+ relationships, repressed identities, emotional trauma, and the cultural pressure to hide one’s true self. Themes of forbidden love, generational shame, and the protagonist’s internal struggle with faith are central. While no explicit sex or nudity is shown, the emotional portrayal of queer love and its consequences is handled with depth and maturity intended for adults.
Is I Wish You Had Told Me Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not Suitable. The film’s themes of death, hidden romantic relationships, and emotional trauma are too heavy for preteens. The tone is somber and reflective, which younger viewers may find confusing and distressing.
Ages 13–15: Not Recommended. Although the film contains no graphic content, its complex themes—LGBTQ+ identity, grief, religious conflict, and long-buried family secrets—are emotionally sophisticated. Younger teens may struggle to understand the nuance and may be unsettled by the mature tone.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens who appreciate serious dramas may connect with the film’s emotional depth. However, parental guidance is advised due to the intense themes of identity, hidden love, and cultural judgment.
Final Recommendation: I Wish You Had Told Me is best suited for 17+ viewers, particularly those able to engage with difficult emotional and cultural subject matter.
What Parents Can Do
Discuss identity and acceptance: This film provides an opportunity to talk about LGBTQ+ experiences, generational expectations, and the long-term impact of hidden truths.
Prepare teens for mature emotional themes: Explain that the story focuses on grief, unresolved love, and the healing that comes from understanding someone’s past.
Provide cultural context: Filipino religious values and societal norms strongly shape the story. Helping teens understand this can deepen their appreciation for the film’s themes.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for I Wish You Had Told Me?
A: The film is rated TV-MA for mature themes involving LGBTQ+ identity, grief, and emotional intensity.
Q: Is I Wish You Had Told Me appropriate for teens?
A: It may be suitable for older teens (15–17) with guidance, but the rating and content are intended for mature audiences.
Q: Does the film contain violence or scary scenes?
A: No physical violence is shown, but the emotional confrontations and atmosphere may feel heavy or intense.
Q: Is there strong language?
A: Some mature language appears during emotionally charged conversations.
Q: Does the movie include sexual content?
A: No explicit sexual scenes or nudity appear, but it explores a forbidden LGBTQ+ relationship in a serious, adult manner.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: I Wish You Had Told Me will stream worldwide on Netflix starting December 4, 2025.