They wanted to push the envelope of what Pinay actresses can do in action movies. By doing so, as Cristine Reyes explained, they'll have something that they can proudly show to the world.

This Thursday, this throw-caution-to-the-wind mentality received validation after Netflix announced that it has acquired the worldwide rights to the movie, "Maria."

The female-centric assassin film, about a woman who is being hunted by the crime cartel she used to work for, will start streaming on Netflix this May 17, according to Screen Daily.

It is the latest local movie to be bought by Netflix, following a pair of Anne Curtis starrers, "BuyBust" and "Aurora."

Reyes shared the news on her Instagram Stories.

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In an interview ahead of the local premiere of "Maria," Reyes recalled the demanding physical preparations she had to go through for her "most difficult project to date."

She also said that they made "Maria" to empower Filipina women and to "bring Philippine cinema to the world."

"Maria" was directed by Pedring Lopez and has received positive reviews from local critics.