A chill settled over Filipino cinemas with the arrival ofGabi ng Lagim: The Movie, an ambitious attempt to translate the beloved annual Halloween television special to the big screen. While undeniably imperfect, this anthology flick offers a glimpse of potential, a flickering flame of horror crafted for those who relish a good scare.
The film cleverly mirrors its television predecessor, opening with Jessica Soho’s familiar presence. Her ominous narration sets the stage for three distinct tales, invoking the nostalgic thrill of stories whispered in the dark. Soho’s role is a loving nod to the source material, a comforting echo for longtime fans.
As with any anthology, the quality varies. Each segment, helmed by a different director, presents a unique vision, resulting in a mixed bag of triumphs and shortcomings. Yet, within these individual stories lie moments of genuine fright and compelling narrative.
“Pocong,” directed by Yam Laranas, immediately establishes a strong atmosphere. The story unfolds aboard a real vessel at sea, trapping a Filipino seaman, brilliantly portrayed by Miguel Tanfelix, in a cursed voyage. The chilling mystery centers around the pocong – an Indonesian spirit bound to its shrouded corpse.
The ship itself becomes a character, the cinematography expertly capturing the unsettling duality of vast ocean and confining spaces. However, the narrative falters, key revelations arriving without proper pacing, ultimately diminishing the impact of the haunting tale. A missed opportunity existed to explore the shared struggles of Filipino and Indonesian seafarers, haunted by a supernatural entity.
“Berbalang,” directed by Dodo Dayao, emerges as the anthology’s standout piece. Set in a remote Mindanao town, the film immerses viewers in a richly detailed world, brought to life through stunning production design and evocative costumes. It’s a period piece steeped in atmosphere.
The heart of “Berbalang” lies in the captivating performances of Sanya Lopez and Elijah Canlas, who portray mysterious siblings with a believable and compelling chemistry. Their dynamic drives the narrative, drawing the audience into their unsettling world. The film embraces practical effects, delivering visceral moments of blood and gore.
A single instance of poor CGI momentarily disrupts the film’s stylish sensibilities, a jarring contrast to the otherwise impressive visuals. While aiming for a campy tone, “Berbalang” doesn’t fully reach its potential, but its intriguing exploration of police brutality – embodied by a chilling Rocco Nacino – adds a layer of complexity. The story feels ripe for a full-length expansion.
“Sanib,” directed by King Marc Baco, unfortunately proves to be the weakest link. The familiar premise – a possessed girl and the priests attempting to exorcise the demon – feels tired and predictable. Jillian Ward delivers a surprisingly strong performance as the afflicted girl, but the story treads well-worn ground.
The film’s attempt to blend horror and humor quickly unravels, venturing into problematic territory by equating depression with demonic vulnerability. While a connection isn’t inherently illogical, the film’s heavy-handed approach risks stigmatizing mental health struggles. The reliance on tired possession tropes – floating bodies, shouted scripture – ultimately undermines any genuine scares.
Unnecessary minor characters distract from the core narrative, and a post-credits clip featuring real footage of an exorcism proves far more unsettling than the fictionalized events. It’s a stark reminder of the power of genuine experience.
Despite its flaws – the occasionally jarring CGI, the uneven pacing –Gabi ng Lagim: The Movierepresents a courageous first step. It’s a rough-around-the-edges adaptation, but one brimming with potential. This initial foray into cinematic horror suggests a promising future for the beloved television special, and a thrilling prospect for Filipino horror fans.
