Welcome to What to Watch Right Now, our weekly rundown of the best things to watch right now. The constant stream of shows, videos, and films to watch online can become a sludge to wade through, so here are a few things you can watch courtesy of the Rolling Stone Philippines team. Whether it’s a new film, a video essay, or even a home video release you should own (physical media is now available!), we hope it can ease the burden of choosing which streaming platform to use or of discovering a new cinematic odyssey.
This week, we’re moving across a whole spectrum of emotional and sonic journeys, from the sweeping, heart-on-sleeve storytelling of Cup of Joe’s Silakbo concert film to Budjerah’s soul-stirring Mariah Carey cover. We’re learning to hear music differently with Cynthia Erivo’s razor-sharp ear, and seeing partying reframed as something closer to spiritual practice through Charli XCX’s candid musings. For something headier but still delightfully unhinged, Brittany Broski’s Frankenstein deep-dive and Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia take us into the absurd and existential, while Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere offers a grounded, intimate reflection on the myth and burden of fame.
‘Silakbo: Cup of Joe Second Major Concert’
Cup of Joe renders moments of heartbreak and acceptance in this concert film
If you’re a Joewah who didn’t get to catch both Silakbo and Stardust concerts, a Joewah who wants to relive the experience of seeing their February 2025 live performance once more, or just a casual “Multo” enjoyer who wants to know why Cup of Joe is such a phenomenon, you can now stream Silakbo: Cup of Joe Second Major Concert on VivaOne. The concert film documents their sold-out show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a 22-track set that showcases why Cup of Joe is one of the best and beloved bands right now. The concert brings to life songs in their debut album, Silakbo, turning each track into set pieces (such as in the mirrored staging of “Bubog”), reflective moments (‘Di Maari,’ complete with a bonfire in the middle of the stage), and renderings of heartbreak and acceptance (the meditative ‘Sagada,’ complete with mountains at the back).
From time to time, some songs are introduced by behind-the-scenes footage, insights into how certain songs were written, or spoken-word interludes. Cup of Joe always had the flair for the cinematic (see the music videos for “Bagyo” and “Multo”), and as a concert film, Silakbo: Cup of Joe Second Major Concert captures the band demonstrating their range, with fans teary-eyed, singing along, and more than willing to embrace the wealth of stories and emotions contained in their music, as proven by a fan opening the film, addressing the band, “You’re not just entertaining, you’re also saving lives.” —Don Jaucian
‘Bugonia’
An absurdist take on conspiracy theories, corpo talk-spouting ‘aliens,’ and hope at the end of the world
Bugonia, the latest collaboration between director Yorgos Lanthimos and his favorite leading lady, Emma Stone, is definitely the type of movie that can divide a room. You need to be very game going into Bugonia, which follows conspiracy-obsessed kidnappers Teddy (Jesse Plemons) and Don (Aidan Delbis) as they snatch infamous CEO Michelle (Emma Stone) and force her to confess that she’s an alien.
Bugonia touches a myriad of topics, many of which are so real that you forget you’re watching an absurdist comedy. Teddy, like many unfortunate young men lost to the ethers of the dark Internet, is convinced that his conspiracy theories are true and that he must save the world from horrible, corpo-talk spouting women CEOs (Michelle does love to say “circle back,” “let’s talk,” and uses “I feel” statements at a whim). Michelle, in turn, seems like one of those corporate overlords who’s lost touch with the normal people around her and thinks that throwing cash at all her problems — like a drug trial test gone wrong — can solve everything. Perhaps, in this way, she too is an alien. Anyway, get thoughtful, get deep, and get ready for that bizarre final act. —Mel Wang
‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’
An introspective drama about a musical god who can’t forgive himself
The art of the musical biopic is a tricky one to master. The effective movies that immediately come to mind are Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, A Complete Unknown, and Amadeus, all of which benefit from the flair, pomp, and onstage prowess of their subjects. This isn’t to say that Bruce Springsteen has none of those things — it’s just that director Scott Cooper has chosen to focus on the dark, brooding, and turbulent side to his musical god, making Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere an introspective take on what it means to battle your demons at the height of national fame.
In the biopic, Springsteen — played by the quiet, meditative, and gorgeous Jeremy Allen White (the leather jackets and tight white T-shirts fit him oh so well) — finds himself wrestling with his difficult relationship with his father, his inability to form lasting romantic relationships, and his belief that he is undeserving of his fame, all while recording his album Nebraska in the early 1980s. Needless to say, he’s going through some heavy stuff, and White once again brings his mastery of playing tragic leading men to his portrayal of one of the world’s most recognizable singers. —Mel Wang
Budjerah – ‘Always Be My Baby’ Like a Version
This 1995 Mariah Carey classic reaches new heights with Budjerah’s performance
Look at Australian singer Budjerah in the middle of the studio, all curly-haired and in loose-fitting clothes, belting Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” face journeying like he’s at the Grammys. A gem brought by the YouTube algorithm, this cover is an R&B gem from start to finish, with a slowed-down arrangement grounding it enough to bring it back to earth, but with Budjerah’s vocals lifting it to the highest heavens. To witness him flex his vocals — backed by a full band — on a Mariah Carey song is almost showboating, but his minimal performance demonstrates his mastery of his instrument. How dare he just stand and sway like that as if we can just chill watching him tear up one of Mariah’s most popular songs? When he sings out, “If you’re determined to leave, girl / I will not stand in your way” with a sliver of effort, you know he’s just taken us to church. —Don Jaucian
Cynthia Erivo’s Best Vocal Performances
The Tony Award-winning actress and singer schools us on the merits of “The Thong Song”
Speaking of fire vocals, one of the videos I couldn’t stop watching on repeat was Cynthia Erivo’s picks of what she considers the best vocal performances. Erivo demonstrates her astuteness to the craft of singing, taking us through her picks with the expertise of a vocal coach worthy of our attention and admiration. When she begins the video with Sisqó’s “The Thong Song,” flabbergasted by his vocal prowess, bewildered by the key change and praise break, it’s a sign that we’re in for a ride. That this is just 13 minutes long is criminal. While you’re anticipating Wicked: For Good, let Erivo school you on how a great vocal performance is done. —Don Jaucian
‘Charli XCX on Creative Freedom’
A strong case for partying as wellness
Charli XCX’s guest spot on Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop podcast is a lightly chaotic watch. There’s the moment Charli calls Paltrow a “365 partygirl,” prompting polite and awkward laughter. Paltrow hands her an organic apple plucked straight from her own tree and wrapped in paper, a nod to the British singer’s hit song “Apple” — and maybe also to Paltrow’s own daughter Apple Martin. However, in the podcast, Charli also becomes sincere when discussing her music. Here, she frames partying not as recklessness but as a creative and emotional lifeline, a source of inspiration for her work. “I would be so sad if I wasn’t able to absorb all these different people, feelings, and moments,” she says. —Pie Gonzaga
‘I’m Sorry Jacob Elordi’
Not your ordinary reader for a gothic horror classic
In the latest episode of The Broski Report, titled “I’m Sorry Jacob Elordi,” American internet comedian Brittany Broski dives into Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with her signature chaotic charm. With Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein now streaming on Netflix, she openly thirsts over Oscar Isaac’s Dr. Frankenstein while still managing to deliver sharp, thoughtful analysis. Between jokes, she breaks down themes like immortality, morality, and the myth of Prometheus — but begins with a detour into beluga whales, naturally. Watch the video to find out why she had to apologize to Jacob Elordi. —Pie Gonzaga
