MANILA – John Lloyd Cruz thinks “Ang Babaeng Humayo” is a great option for moviegoers who are looking for a unique story.

The film, which was inspired by the short story "God Sees the Truth, But Waits" by Russian author Leo Tolstoy, bagged the Golden Lion top prize at the Venice Film Festival early this month.

“Mayroon tayong ganito, nakapasok sa main competition ng Venice Film Festival. Hindi mo ba gugustuhin na dumaan din dito 'yung pelikula at mapanood ng karamihan?” he said in a pre-recorded interview while promoting the film.

For Cruz, the mere fact that “Ang Babaeng Humayo” marks the movie comeback of Charo Santos is enough reason for people to see the film.

“Magandang mabigyan natin ng options ang mga manonood. Sa pagkakataon na ito, we have a Lav Diaz film starring Charo Santos-Concio sa pagbabalik niya sa film. Ako, that alone parang we should celebrate this film,” he said.

Produced by Sine Olivia and Cinema One Originals, "Ang Babaeng Humayo" tells the story of Horacia Somorostro (Santos), who, according to the official synopsis, lives a life that has become a "veritable reclusion perpetua, an imprisonment."

Cruz, on the other hand, plays the role of Hollanda, who has already given up on life. “Wala na siyang mahanap na dahilan para ituloy pa 'yung buhay niya. It’s a bit dark pero punong-puno 'yung pagkatao niya,” he said of his character.

Aside from Santos and Cruz, the movie also features Michael de Mesa, Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Nonie Buencamino, Marj Lorico, Mayen Estanero, Romelyn Sale, Lao Rodriguez, Jean Judith Javier, Mae Paner and Cacai Bautista.

It opens in local cinemas starting September 28.