One of the most enduring and popular tropes in movies is the love triangle. A love triangle is often a romantic relationship filled with drama and passion involving three people, where two individuals compete for the affection of one person. This person is caught between two individuals who has partner potential, which often results to confusion, conflict and who becomes ultimate choice makes everyone happy or shocked.

Acclaimed, award-winning filmmaker Nijel de Mesa is back with a new “NDM Original” — and this time, he gives us his boldest, most emotionally devastating film yet: Hearts In Transit. The film was launched during the “Not for Everyone Gala” recently, which happened at the Art Son Gala Hall in Quezon City, Philippines.

Hearts In Transit is set against the poetic backdrops of Tokyo’s neon glow and the serene stillness of rural Japan. This full-English, full-length international feature promises to redefine the romantic drama for a global audience when it premieres in the second quarter of 2026 exclusively on NDM PLUS.

“It is a love story we think we know — until we don’t,” said director De Mesa. “You know. At first glance, Hearts in Transit feels familiar: three people, one impossible choice and emotions that refuse to stay contained. But me, I do not tell ordinary stories.  It is a heart-wrenching romantic drama about timing, identity and the cost of loving someone when you’re still figuring yourself out.”

“The triangle is the messy kind, “said director De Mesa. “The stakes are deeply personal. And of course, there is a twist. Let’s just say this isn’t about choosing between two lovers — it’s about choosing the person you are brave enough to become. It is truly romantic, disorienting and devastatingly beautiful,” said De Mesa.

Is the director redefining the love triangle then? His quick answer, “Our full-length film was not written with the intention of redefining love triangles. Although, I feel, it inadvertently will. And that’s for you to find out how.”

Love triangle universe

At the center of this love triangle universe are Ravi, Gale and Flynn.

Actor Will Devaughn is Ravi — a disciplined logistics officer stationed in Japan, steady on the outside but quietly breaking within. Devaughn, who first rose to fame as a finalist on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition 2, delivers what insiders are calling his most mature and layered performance yet.

“Ravi’s character carries a lot of qualities I admire and honestly wish I embodied more fully myself,” said Devaughn. “His discipline is inspiring, especially the way he approaches things with precision and patience really stayed with me.”

Devaughn added: “Playing him was challenging because of just how technical he is. It pushed me to raise my own standard and I’m grateful for that.

Australian model and host Sheridan Mortlock portrays in her screen acting debut as Gale. She said: “This is a brave departure from being a beauty queen. The experience was a bit both nerve wracking and exciting. Playing ‘Gale’ is quite a challenge because she’s a complex character while being torn between two lovers and Nico Locco gives life to Flynn — a magnetic, unpredictable soul still searching for himself. Known in the Philippine entertainment industry for taking on bold and unconventional roles, Locco injects humor, intensity and emotional danger into every scene.

Being Flynn, said Locco: “Giving life to him was therapeutic. Flynn represents a point in my life when I was at my most vulnerable and I think a lot of people will be able to relate to his situation.”

“The role was challenging for me because I need to take off the so-called mask and show a more personal side of ‘Nico’ that I don’t usually show to the camera. It’s a side that I keep at bay, or hidden I must admit, when I do other roles,” Locco also said.

Unique storytelling

Hearts In Transit is more than just another release — it’s a milestone project for NDM Studios,” said De Mesa. “As a full-English international production, it marks the studio’s bold expansion into global storytelling. Slated for release in the second quarter of 2026, the film will premiere exclusively on the global streaming platform NDM PLUS. And this is just the beginning.”

De Mesa continued: “If Hearts in Transit is any indication, we are delivering on that promise in a big way.  So, in conclusion, I want the audiences to prepare for a love story that will test loyalties, challenge identities and leave you questioning the very nature of destiny. Don’t miss the film everyone will be talking about in 2026.”

NDM PLUS is the “Home of Unique Storytelling” — a platform dedicated to powerful, original narratives that push boundaries and connect cultures.