Get to know Elijah Canlas in 10 of his must-watch films

From his Gawad Urian-winning turn in “Kalel, 15” to “Edjop,” revisit the films that charted Canlas’ rise as a versatile actor.

Before he was an internationally recognized star, he was a 14-year-old kid with a dream. 

By 19, Elijah Canlas had redefined his generation’s acting landscape, winning the coveted Gawad Urian for his breakthrough role in “Kalel, 15.” 

After he watched Dwein Baltazar’s 2018 romance “Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus,” Canlas said was sure acting was calling out to him.

Today, celebrating his 26th birthday, his repertoire speaks for itself. Yet, despite the dizzying heights of his success, his heart remains firmly on the ground. To the industry, he is a masterclass in talent; but at home, he’s a brother to JM and Jerom, and to the fans who hold him dear, he is just “Jelo,” a true Artista ng Bayan.

To understand the man behind the accolades, here are our 10 must-watch films to get to know Elijah Canlas.

1. Sundalong Kanin (2014)

dir. Janice O’Hara 

Set during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, this Cinemalaya indie follows four boys who want to fight for their country, only to confront the brutal realities of war. In one, if not his earliest cinematic outings, a young Canlas steps into the shoes of a Badong, exhibiting raw, unpolished instinct, proving that even as a child actor, he had an innate grasp of heavy emotional stakes.

2. Kalel, 15 (2019)

dir. Jun Robles Lana 

Directed by Jun Robles Lana, this gritty coming-of-age drama revolves around a Catholic schoolboy who is diagnosed with HIV while navigating a broken family. Playing the titular Kalel, Canlas delivers a star-making performance that rightfully earned him a Gawad Urian Best Actor trophy. He shoulders the entire film, bringing a delicate balance of teenage angst and devastating isolation.

3. He Who Is Without Sin (2020)

dir. Jason Paul Laxamana 

A psychological drama about idealistic broadcasting student Martin who meets his respected television reporter idol, only to uncover dark, shattering secrets. He perfectly acts as the audience’s surrogate, drawing viewers into his suffocating disillusionment, and transitioning seamlessly from starry-eyed naïveté to traumatic shock, holding his own opposite actor Enzo Pineda.

4. Gameboys: The Movie (2021)

dir. Ivan Andrew Payawal 

The cinematic continuation of the hit pandemic Boys’ Love (BL) web series, following young lovers navigating the complexities of physical proximity and family expectations. Reprising his beloved role as Cairo, Canlas steps away from grim thrillers to deliver a performance full of warmth, longing, and romantic chemistry alongside his on-screen partner Kokoy de Santos.

5. About Us But Not About Us (2022)

dir. Jun Robles Lana 

A psychological conversation piece set entirely inside a restaurant, unfolding through a tense dialogue between a literature professor and his student. As Lancelot, Canlas is spellbinding. What starts as a portrayal of a grieving, timid student slowly morphs into something far more calculating. He anchors the film’s twists with precision, a masterclass in dialogue delivery and slow-burn tension, proving he can weaponize words and micro-expressions to control a scene opposite to veteran actor Romnick Sarmenta.

6. Sunshine (2024)

dir. Antoinette Jadaone 

Antoinette Jadaone’s sports drama about a young, aspiring national gymnast, played by Maris Racal, who discovers she is pregnant the week of her tryouts. Taking on a supporting role as the father of the child, audiences note how Canlas solidified a fan-run joke of his characters always impregnating the main act. Beyond humor, he provides a critical grounding presence that highlights the stakes of the protagonist’s journey.

7. Uninvited (2024)

dir. Dan Villegas 

A Metro Manila Film Festival mystery crime thriller that follows a grieving mother, played by Vilma Santos, infiltrating a billionaire’s lavish party to avenge her daughter’s death. Canlas plays Tofy, the boyfriend of the disappeared girl, whose story is unraveled through poignant flashbacks. He provides the emotional anchor for the film’s violent inciting incident. Even with limited screen time, Canlas injects a palpable sense of dread and youthful tragedy that successfully fuels the film’s entire revenge plot.

8. Salvageland (2025)

dir. Lino Cayetano 

An intense crime thriller tackling the gritty realities of police brutality and the abuse of power. Playing the role of Jules, Canlas dives headfirst into mature, action-heavy territory as the son of veteran actor Richard Gomez’s character. Arguably his first action-focused film, he brings a desperate, fight-or-flight energy that keeps audiences completely on edge.

9. Drags to Riches (2026)

dir. Victor Villanueva 

A raucous comedy following two desperate employees who orchestrate a wild scheme involving a drag queen impersonating his straight twin to fool a homophobic father. As Andre, Canlas completely breaks away from the heavy, dramatic roles that defined his early career, introducing a new, frantic, and infectious energy to the screen. He proves his versatility through chaotic physical comedy and fast-paced banter, reminding audiences that he can be just as hilarious as he is heartbreaking. 

10. Edjop (2026)

dir. Katski Flores 

A dramatic and highly anticipated historical biopic chronicling the life of iconic Filipino student leader and Martial Law activist Edgar “Edjop” Jopson. Playing the titular Edjop, Canlas steps into the shoes of a real-life hero. He carries the weight of a generation’s history, capturing Jopson’s evolution from a moderate student to a radical revolutionary. This shapes up Canlas to be at his most formidable, exhibiting conviction, leadership, and a profound, soulful maturity that could cement his legacy as one of the most remarkable actors of his generation.

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