The hidden truths in ABS-CBN’s ‘What Lies Beneath,’ now on Netflix

The stars of “What Lies Beneath” open up about the show’s mysteries

Warning: This feature contains minor spoilers.

What Lies Beneath, ABS-CBN’s newest thriller-drama now streaming on Netflix, has viewers—and even the cast—on the edge of their seats with its gripping mix of suspense, secrets, and emotional depth.

Directed by Dado Lumibao and Froy Allan Leonardo, the teleserye features an ensemble led by Kaila Estrada, Charlie Dizon, Janella Salvador, Sue Ramirez, Jake Cuenca, and JM de Guzman.

The story follows four high school BFFs—Erica, Beth, Alice, and Mel—whose group once included Louisa (Mutya Orquia). After witnessing Louisa’s murder, they falsely implicate Edong, the kuya of Louisa’s boyfriend Lucas, sending him to prison.

Years later, the friends are successful: Erica (Kaila) is a lawyer for wrongly accused suspects; Beth (Charlie) is a teacher raising a daughter with her high school sweetheart; Alice (Janella) is a US-based accountant married to an influential American; and Mel (Sue) is a celebrity stylist married to a high-profile host from a political clan.

But the lie they buried resurfaces, putting their lives at risk. Edong (Jake) has never forgotten them, and Lucas (JM), already a successful entrepreneur, is suspected of aiding his kuya in seeking revenge.

“What Lies Beneath” has been praised for its tightly woven mystery and standout performances. It’s slated for 100 episodes, each raising the stakes as the truth behind Louisa’s death—and the darkness each character carries—emerges.

Secrecy behind the camera

In a roundtable with radar Entertainment and other select media, the cast said the secrecy extended off-screen, especially regarding Louisa’s killer.

Charlie and Jake summed it up simply: “Very beneath.” Kaila noted, “No one knows for sure,” while Sue teased, “But I have someone in mind.”

The women leaned on each other, especially in emotionally demanding scenes. Charlie recalled: “Kapag nasa set, we remind each other, ‘Mas ito ‘yuong gagawin ng character mo.’ Or nagtatanungan kami, ‘Tingin mo gagawin ito ng character ko?’ Kapag nagkakamali sa line… ‘Go lang. Sige, ulit-ulitin mo.’”

Kaila added: “We feed off of each other’s energy… We all have bad days, and we all have really good days… And I feel like in this set, it’s very prevalent.”

The men navigated their respective emotional terrains. Jake resonated with Edong, whose life was marked by abuse from his father, a corrupt arresting officer, and fellow inmates. “I can relate to him because I know what it feels like to be judged right away,” he said. “People project things on you, they turn you into that bad guy even though deep down inside, you know you’re not that person. But then, when you look into where he came from, you kind of understand why he’s turned into that.”

JM focused on breaking stereotypes about male vulnerability. “Sa lalaki kasi… maja-judge ka as weak. Pero baligtad ang pananaw ko… The more vulnerable you are, the more you will grow.”

Real-life experiences informing portrayals

Janella, raised by a single mother, drew from her history for Alice, who returns to the Philippines with her son amid her husband’s alleged infidelity and abuse: “[The acting] comes from what we went through, like childhood traumas or dark pasts.”

Sue, who comes from a “loving home,” found it challenging to play Mel, who endures domestic violence from her husband: “It was difficult to channel those unfamiliar emotions.” She added that the role mirrors the pressure placed on celebrities: “Our job requires that facade. We’re not 100 percent every day… but since we’re actors, it’s part of the job to still be present.”

Kaila said playing Erica meant embracing vulnerability. Though a sharp lawyer, Erica isolates herself, having cut ties with her friends after graduation and drowning her nights in alcohol. She also grew up facing emotional coldness from her single mother, whom she later sees showing warmth toward her younger sister. “The things that you are trying to suppress, eventually, you’ll be forced to confront them no matter how long it’s been,” Kaila said. “Your strength is powerful even when you’re at your most vulnerable.”

JM, who has faced his own public struggles, sees Lucas—entangled with a crime syndicate and unlawfully aiding Edong—as a mirror for his hopes of growth and redemption.

“I’ve made wrong decisions in life, too,” he said. “Pero ‘di naman ibig sabihin no’n na nawawala na ang purpose mo… Mayroon ka pa ring magandang intensiyon.”

Extraordinary craft

Jake called “What Lies Beneath” a “dream project” that was “impossible to think of” 10 years ago, emphasizing the importance of “embracing the process.”

“In the morning, I say hi to everyone as Jake,” he said. “But once I wear the makeup, the teeth, and everything, they have to deal with Edong until we  pack-up… For 16 hours straight, the objective is to stay in character.”

JM, meanwhile, is excited for unplanned moments on set: “I don’t want to premeditate my scenes. Gusto ko ‘yong moments that I create with my co-actors are raw and magical.”

For the women, off-screen camaraderie keeps their performances grounded. Charlie said: “Kami kasi, pagka-cut, nagbabarkadahan agad. Parang humihiwalay agad sa character, lalo pag nasa tent, matagal kaming naghihintay, at kumpleto kaming apat. Ang daming chika.”

Kaila added: “We all go through sort of similar situations at different phases of our lives… Without even talking about it, it’s so easy to relate to each other because we share similar struggles being a woman.”

“What Lies Beneath” also airs weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, TV5, and iWant.

 

 

“What Lies Beneath” has been praised for its tightly woven mystery and standout performances. It’s slated for 100 episodes, each raising the stakes as the truth behind Louisa’s death—and the darkness each character carries—emerges.

 

 

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