MMFF 2018 Movie Review: "One Great Love" is Totally Unexpected

Enrico S. Quizon's One Great Love follows Zyra Paez played by Kim Chui, a woman who believes that love will complete her and will bring her joy. JC de Vera plays Carl Mauricio, Zyra's one great love. However, because of Carl's turbulent past, he unintentionally keeps hurting the woman he loves. Dennis Trillo is Ian Arcano, Zyra's dependable friend, who eventually falls in love with her. These three lives are intertwined in a story that reveals to us that like all human beings, we all seek for love, but everyone see it differently.

To be honest, I didn't really expected a lot from this film. And I thought this will just be like the typical romance drama film that we get in our theaters every year. The first half of the film was okay. There wasn't anything special nor intense that happened. The film seems like it's playing too safe.

But once the film reaches its second half, the film reveals a twist that I didn't see coming at all. The trailer was able to hide this twist and you'll only get to realize what kind of film you're watching once you're halfway through it. This surprise was quite shocking and effective. It's something you won't see coming from this year's festival. It manages to give the film some kick- the film suddenly became so interesting and exciting.

The film boasts incredible performances from its leads, particularly Kim Chui who surprised us with the unexpected turn of her character. JC De Vera was very effective in his role. But I rather not discuss about that part any further to avoid spoiling the film. Miles Ocampo was really fun to watch with her role. And for the first time, I admired Dennis Trillo in a movie. Though I've seen him before in many shows, this is the first time that I noticed his acting skills. The film was the perfect project for him because he was able to showcase his acting prowess here.

One Great Love manages to surpass my expectations with the unexpected outcome of its story. Kim Chui will surely surprise everyone with this film.

Rating: 8/ 10 • Verdict: Entertaining

Verdict: Must Watch • Highly Recommended • Entertaining • Tolerable • Boring • 

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MMFF 2017 Movie Review : Julius Alfonso's "Deadma Walking"

It's tricky and unconventional story makes this MMFF dramedy a stand-out against the rest of this year's film fest entries.

Based on Eric Cabahug's award-winning screenplay (second place, Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature 2016), this out-of-this-world musical dramedy is sure to give this year's MMFF a different taste. Directed by Julius Alfonso and produced under T-Rex Productions, Deadma Walking stars Edgar Allan Guzman and Joross Gamboa as two gay bestfriends who fakes the latter's own death to attend his own wake to hear his friends views on him. The film also stars Candy Pangilinan, Nico Antonio, Dimples Romana, Gerald Anderson and Vin Abrenica in supporting roles and is an official entry to the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival.

John Samson (Joross Gamboa) and Mark (Edgar Allan Guzman) are two gay best friends- John is a successful businessman while Mark is a sales agent and a part time theater actor. John soon discover that he is ill, and has only a year or two to live. Because of this, he comes up with a plan and asks his best friend to help him: they will  fake his own death so that he can attend his own wake to hear his friends and other people's views on him. Everything turns out okay, until his estranged sister, Mary (Dimples Romana) who had misunderstandings with her brother John as she was not able to go home when their mother died, comes home only to see the wake for her brother. Tensions arise as more people from John's past comes back to pay their respects for him. Secrets will be revealed. Relationships will be tested. Can they complete their mission to create the grandest and most fabulous (fake) funeral the world is yet to see? 

At first, Deadma Walking's central plot may turn off viewers, especially to those people who are accustomed to the regular holiday themed comedies of the Metro Manila Film Festival. It's story revolves around death, or to be specific, about a man who is waiting for his own death. It's theme is very dark and off-putting for a film that is shown during the Christmas season. But it's unusual and unconventional story is what makes this musical dramedy stand-out among the rest of this year's film fest entries. And although it is being compared to 2016's Die Beautiful, I actually enjoyed and liked Deadma Walking more than the other.

Death is a very tricky subject, and when it's not done the right way, everything will turn awkward and uninviting to the film's viewers. Luckily, director Julius Alfonso managed to handle the material very well because everything turned out good. He was able to put enough balance of everything in the film. There's enough humor to entertain audiences. There's lots of drama to keep the audience engaged. There's also a bit of musical performances, adding more color and energy to this film. To it's credit, the musical scenes are really well done. Although Ang Larawan is still the best musical of the festival, Deadma Walking has the better song and dance opening sequence.

Regarding the film's humor, I must commend Eric Cabahug's screenplay. It's witty and full of laugh-out-loud jokes, particularly the ones thrown by Mark's character. Some of the jokes maybe hit-or-miss, but most of them were really funny. As for the dramatic aspect of the film, they were actually good. The way they handled the relationship between John and Mary was great, and they were able to make the audiences sympathize with them. And of course, the story of John and Mark's friendship is truly heartfelt and will pinch your heart. Everything was good in the film, except for the twist in the film's finale which I felt was done in haste. I think it could have been executed in a better fashion since it concerns one of the main characters. But in the end, what matters is that it was able to relay the context of the twist and move the story forward.

The film's cast is also one of the main reasons why this film works. Candy Pangilinan was really fun to watch despite the supporting role. Nico Antonio and Bobby Andrews were also great additions to the cast. It was really funny to see Gerlad Anderson and Vin Abrenica in this movie, as it was quite unusual to see them in mainstream projects that tackles homosexual themes like this. Dimples Romana was really outstanding as John's brother, Mary. She's definitely one of the most underrated actresses of this country. But despite getting just supporting roles, she manages to wow everyone with her heart-wrenching performance in this movie. The star-studded cameos were a delight to watch, from Eugene Domingo, Piolo Pascual, Sue Ramirez (although I'm not sure what exactly her purpose was), Jason Abalos, Matt Evans, and many more. But the most insane and probably the best and most unforgettable cameo was from Iza Calzado. I was laughing hysterically with her unexpected appearance in this movie (I knew she was in the film based on the trailer, but I did not expected how her cameo would be like).

But above all, this is Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman's movie, and they definitely owned it. Joross Gamboa deserves praise for his committed performance as John. He nailed the character with flying (rainbow) colors. His best moment would be those with Dimples Romana, and this one particular scene in the film's ending as he was lying alone in a cemetery. Edgar Allan Guzman's award-winning portrayal of Mark is truly outstanding. He definitely deserves the (Best Actor, NOT just the Best Supporting Actor) acting award, no doubt about it.

So if you are looking for something unique from this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, this movie is for you. Deadma Walking is a unique, funny, witty and at times heartwarming surprise from this year's festival. Watch it, and give your MMFF experience a different flavor.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Deadma Walking" (2017) Directed by Julius Alfonso, starring Edgar Allan Guzman and Joross Gamboa with Candy Pangilinan, Nico Antonio, Dimples Romana, Gerald Anderson and Vin Abrenica, produced under T-Rex Productions. An official entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.

MMFF 2017 Movie Review : Loy Arcenas' "Ang Larawan"

"Life, like art, is intricate." So is this beautiful big screen adaptation of one of the most celebrated plays by Nick Joaquin.

It's the time of the year again for the country's biggest and most anticipated film event, the Metro Manila Film Festival. And even though I am very disappointed with the MMFF focusing again on commercial viability for it's criteria this year and turning this festival into nothing but a money-making scheme, I am still excited to see some of the festival's entries, particularly this one. I used to have a tradition of watching only comedy films on Christmas Day. But this year, I decided to break away from that tradition to see this one.

Ang Larawan is the film adaptation of Larawan, The Musical which is based on National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s three-act English play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. First published in 1952, Joaquin’s work has been depicted numerous times on stage on screen and in English and Filipino—making it one of the most pedigreed literary works of the Philippines. In 1997, Musical Theater Philippines (now Culturtain Musicat Productions Inc. ) headed by singer Celeste Legaspi and talent manager/producer Girlie Rodis staged Larawan, the first musical rendition of Joaquin’s great play, at the CCP. The elegaic play was transformed into a musical with a libretto written by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio and music created by iconic original Filipino music composer Ryan Cayabyab. This year, Culturtain with the help of supervising producer Alemberg Ang, shares Ang Larawan, The Movie with the global audience. Loy Arcenas, a multi-awarded Broadway theatrical set designer and director, was at the helm of the much-awaited film. The film had it's premiere last October 30, 2017 in Japan as part of the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival. Set in a mansion in Manila in 1941 just before the Pacific War, Ang Larawan is a romantic family-themed musical with brilliant singing by world-renowned musical stars.

Rachel Alejandro as Paula and Joanna Ampil as Candida
Source: Ang Larawan official website

Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro with Sandino Martin as Bitoy

The film follows the Marasigan sisters, Candida (Joanna Ampil) and Paulo (Rachel Alejandro) as they struggle living in poverty in their ancestral home with their reclusive artist father Don Lorenzo. Their siblings Manolo (Nonie Buencamino) and Pepang (Menchu Lauchengco) who both live luxuriously kept on convincing them to sell the house, but they always reject the idea. The last painting that their father finished before he got into his "accident" can save them from poverty, but the sisters don't want to give up their father's final masterpiece. They try to find ways of earning money, like renting out a room to a piano player at a local vaudeville, Tony Javier (Paulo Avelino) who also tries to convince them to sell the painting. The sisters struggle to resist all the temptations around them, hoping to keep their father's final masterpiece, maintaining their family legacy and tradition.

To start off, this is probably the most stunning local film production this year. From the sets to the costumes that they've utilized in the film, everything is top notch. They really took the time and effort in maintaining the period setting of the story, even to the most minute detail. Despite being situated in a single location, the house of the Marasigans, the setting never looked boring or tiring. The costumes are gorgeous, especially when the scene involves other characters. The overall look of the film is a visual feast to the eyes.

Menchu Lauchengco as Pepang and Nonie Buencamino as Manolo

Paulo Avelino as Tony Javier

Another thing that I liked about the film is it's beautiful soundtrack. I loved all the songs that they performed in the film, which were all composed by maestro Ryan Cayabyab and were rendered by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. I loved the fact that unlike most musicals, the songs are not treated as musical numbers or set pieces. Instead, the dialogues were integrated/ blended with the music so that the introduction of the songs have a smooth flow, similar to Tom Hooper's 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables. I particularly loved the song number of the vivacious senator's wife Doña Loleng (Celeste Legaspi) upon her arrival at the house of the sisters, together with Conga Queen Elsa Montes (Zsa Zsa Padilla). It was one of the most fun and energetic performances in the film. 

Cara Manglapis as Patsy, Robert Arevalo as Don Perico, Celeste Legaspi as Donya Loleng

Aicelle Santos as Violet and Cris Villonco as Susan

The cast itself is enough reason to see the film. This is one of the best movie ensemble in a local production this year. With the likes of Cris Villonco as Susan, Aicelle Santos as Violet, Nonie Buencamino as Manolo, Menchu Lauchengco as Pepang, Robert Arevalo as Don Perico and Celeste Legaspi as Doña Loleng, the supporting cast is already packed with so much talent that fills up the screen. I especially loved Celeste Legaspi's fun portrayal of Doña Loleng. She lights up every scene whenever she's part of it. We also get to see Zsa Zsa Padilla and Ogie Alcasid in small yet fun roles in the film. I must say that I was really impressed seeing Sandino Martin and Paulo Avelino singing. It was my first time to see them sing and they were really good. Martin was really adorable in his portrayal of the Marasigan's family friend Bitoy Camacho. On the other hand, Avelino is perfect for the role of the charming but naughty Tony Javier. I don't know why but Paulo just look so good in every scene of the film, even during those moments when he's already beaten up. I guess that is one of his greatest assets: the camera loves just him.

Of course, the film belongs to Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro. Their portrayal of Candida and Paula Marasigan were both amazing. One can really see their commitment to their roles. Each one of them were given their own moments to shine. For me, Joanna Ampil stood out during the part when her character was confessing something about her sister during the film's third act. On the other hand, Rachel Alejandro was able to showcase her talent during the scene when her character had a fight with Candida, leading to a sexy seduction scene with Tony Javier.

I have to admit. There were moments when I felt like the film could be a bit more than what it is now. There were production numbers that I think could have been bigger and more explosive in regards to the presentation. Something that can take the whole film into a much higher point. But given it's single location setting, the events are all contained in a smaller scale. It doesn't mean that the film isn't good though, because it sure is amazing as hell. But as a fan of musicals, I can't help but feel as if the movie needed something to push it into a more bombastic and extravagant. But then, we have to take the film as is. And no doubt that this is one of the best films of this year's film festival and is already running for the Best Picture award.

From it's rich visuals, outstanding music and bravura performances, Ang Larawan is a must-watch spectacle this Christmas. Pinoy musicals have never been this gloriously stunning and entrancing.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Ang Larawan" (2017) Directed by Loy Arcenas, based on A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by Nick Joaquin, starring Joanna Ampil Rachel Alejandro Paulo Avelino and Sandino Martin, with Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco, Cris Villonco, Aicelle Santos, Robert Arevalo, and Celeste Legaspi.

Cinema One Originals 2017 (World Cinema) Movie Review: Luca Guadagnino's "Call Me By Your Name"

Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer in "Call Me By Your Name" (2017)

One of the most highly anticipated films of the year and has received unanimous acclaim from international critics, "Call Me By Your Name" (2017) Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of the 2007 novel of the same name by André Aciman, had it's Philippine premiere last November 18, 2017 in Trinoma as part of the World Cinema section of this year's Cinema One Originals. The romantic coming-of-age drama film will be screened in four select cinemas in Metro Manila, and most of these screenings are sold-out already.

Everyone, including me, has been looking forward to seeing this film since it was announced to be part of the 2017 Cinema One Originals. Therefore, this will be a special review since this is the first foreign film I will be writing about here in my blog. Yes, this film is that special. Set in Italy in 1983, Call Me by Your Name chronicles the romantic relationship between a 17-year-old Italian-American, Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), and his father's American student, Oliver (Armie Hammer). It serves as the third and final installment in Guadagnino's Desire trilogy, following I Am Love (2009) and A Bigger Splash (2015).

It's the summer of 1983 in the north of Italy, and Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a precocious 17- year-old American-Italian, spends his days in his family’s 17th century villa transcribing and playing classical music, reading, and flirting with his friend Marzia (Esther Garrel). Elio enjoys a close relationship with his father (Michael Stuhlbarg), an eminent professor specializing in Greco-Roman culture, and his mother Annella (Amira Casar), a translator, who favor him with the fruits of high culture in a setting that overflows with natural delights. While Elio's sophistication and intellectual gifts suggest he is already a fully-fledged adult, there is much that yet remains innocent and unformed about him, particularly about matters of the heart.

One day, Oliver (Armie Hammer), a charming American scholar working on his doctorate, arrives as the annual summer intern tasked with helping Elio's father. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of the setting, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever.

Luca Guadagnino has been internationally renowned for his critically-acclaimed films for quite some time now. But to be honest, I haven't seen any of his past works before, making Call Me By Your Name the first. I am planning to check out his previous film, A Bigger Splash, starring Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson, and Matthias Schoenaerts and I've been looking forward to his 2018 remake of Dario Argento’s cult classic horror film, Suspiria,starring Tilda Swinton, Chloe Grace Moretz and Dakota Johnson. Because I am not very familiar with his works, I really had no idea what to expect with Call Me By Your Name. To reiterate, I haven't read the book by André Aciman, therefore I am not in the right position to say whether this was a good adaptation or not. But judging it as a movie that I have seen in the cinema, I can confidently say that this is one of the year's best films.

I love the slow build-up of Elio and Oliver's relationship, with Elio at first resenting the latter for his American ways (like his unusual way of bidding goodbye with "later"). Eventually, he starts to become curious with this American stranger, until his curiosity develops into an attraction. It kinda reminds me of my favorite film, Petersen Vargas' 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten where the main character Felix who was originally curious about his new Fil-Am classmate Magnus, and ends up developing feelings for him. As his attraction starts to get get stronger each day (he starts secretly entering Oliver's room and smelling his underwear and thinking of him while masturbating), he is unsure whether he should tell the latter his true feelings. His parents advised him to do so, and when he does, it was poetic. Oliver soon reciprocates his feeling for him, thus starting a love story doomed to end once the summer ends.

The way all of this things unfold is what makes Call Me By Your Name different from most romantic coming-of-age films nowadays. The film doesn't rush it's story. Instead, it takes it time in letting it's main characters realize their true feelings for one another. The audience is left waiting and wanting them to be together, and when they do, it's beautiful. This could not have worked if not for the film's two amazing leads. Timothée Chalamet gives Elio that pale, young, fragile look which perfectly matches Armie Hammer's Oliver- vibrant, carefree, and masculine. The two of them looks good together. and whenever they play and flirt around in one scene from another, the screen is oozing with their chemistry.

Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Elio was so raw and honest. The way his body moves, whenever he's dancing while walking around or whenever he's just alone in his room or when he is around with his friends, he is Elio and he definitely owns the role. The way he looks at Oliver, you can really see and feel the desire and emotions in his eyes. These are the same eyes that will break your heart in the film's finale. Armie Hammer partners this with his fun and vibrant performance as Oliver. He is believable as a scholar, and he wows everyone in one particular scene where he carefully explains the history of a name of a fruit. And once the two of them join together in one scene, it is explosive. The frame is burning with so much intensity and sexiness even before they start undressing. This may be the year's sexiest movie, way more titillating than the latest sequel of the Fifty Shades movies.


It's good to know that Guadagnino wasn't actually interested in sex in the movie. It was the same reason why he had to edit a lot of sexually explicit scenes in the film's original draft. According to him, he just wants to focus on two people having a moment. He wanted the audience to completely rely on the emotional travel of these people and feel first love And he did. And he did it so well that even if there were no explicit nudity from the two leads nor hardcore sex scenes happening onscreen, the picture still ended up scorching hot.

Luca Guadagnino also transports us into the hot summer of 1983 somewhere in Northern Italy with the film's beautiful soundtrack and luscious cinematography. The music matches the atmosphere of the film, nostalgic, wistful and will leave you longing for the yesteryear. The cinematography is so stunning. Each scene is blooming with colors and lights, making the picture look so crisp and real. You can really feel heat of the summer afternoons and feel the coolness of the refreshing water in the river with the film's cinematography. From the village of Crema, Lombardy to the quiet dirt roads where the two characters rides their bike, every single location comes to life with the long, luscious camera works. I especially liked the shots in the lake scene where Elio, his father and Oliver went to check out some pieces of antiquity recovered from the lake. The scene was so brightly lit that when they showed a close-up shot of the water, it felt like it was going to splash out of the screen. It was that gorgeous.

I also loved the script, penned by James Ivory. It was so poetic and memorable that you'd want to hear it over and over it. From the beautiful advises received by Elio from Amira Casar's Annella, his mother to the  heartfelt revelations by Michael Stuhlbarg's Mr. Lyle, his father towards the end of the film, every word was divine.

"We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to feel nothing so as not to feel anything - what a waste!" 

-says Mr. Lyle to Elio in one of the scenes. These words, although beautifully written, are also painfully true.

" Nature has cunning ways of finding our weakest spot." I agree.

Then, just when you thought you could already breathe out of all the sadness of the film comes one of the most heart-wrenching post-credits scene in recent memory. God, Timothée Chalamet sure is a heart breaker. Call Me By Your Name is already a cult classic in the making. A film sure to steal all the trophies from the upcoming awards season. Luca Guadagnino's romantic coming-of-age story is an honest, sultry, poignant and beautiful portrayal of a boy's first love.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Call Me By Your Name" (2017)

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer

Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Joseph Teoxon's "Throwback Today"

If given a chance, would you want to change your life? What would you change? Or should I say, when? That is the question posted by Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi dramedy "Throwback Today". The film stars Carlo Aquino who plays Primo, the protagonist of the story. It also stars Empress Schuck, Annicka Dolonius, Allan Paule and Kat Galang and is one of the official entries to this year's Cinema One Originals.

In Throwback Today, we follow Primo, who seems like he has ran out of luck in his life: he is jobless, he's about to get thrown out of their house and the girl he loves is about to get married. That is until one day, he discovers that he can communicate with his younger self through an online chat room. Primo is convinced that he is failing so much today because of what he has done in the past, so he decided to convince his younger self to help him change the past to change the future.

Carlo Aquino plays Primo
Screenshot from the trailer

During the first few minutes of the film, I immediately thought that this has some similarities with the Hollywood movie The Butterfly Effect (2004) starring Ashton Kutcher. Both film feature a male lead character trying to change his current situation in life by changing things from his past. Both films have drastic consequences in the present for every change that takes place in the past. But Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi dramedy has enough distinction from the latter. Though the two films have a similar premise, Throwback Today has more heart. It's more lighter in tone and thus, far more enjoyable than the other one. Although the concept of changing your past isn't new anymore as we have seen a lot of films recycling the same concept over and over again, this sci-fi entry stands out with it's fun and entertaining execution.

The film's witty and humorous script  was successful in keeping audiences' attention for a long time. There's a lot of really hilarious moments that made the crowd laugh out loud inside the cinema. The film never felt boring or dragging. The pacing was consistent all throughout. The characters were all written very well. It's like they're someone you've known from your high school or college days. These are characters that you can really connect with. That you can see yourself into. That's why it's hard not to fall for and root for these characters. I also loved that the story did not turned out like I expected it to be. The last part of the film was unpredictable. It took  different turn and decided to leave the whole thing to it's main character to resolve. It's nice that the film took a different route for it's resolution. It was totally unexpected and I really appreciate it. It's almost felt like watching a feel good movie.

Of course, the biggest asset of the film is it's talented cast. It's so nice to see Annicka Dolonius again after her stint in one of my favorite indie films, Ang Nawawala (2012) and in the surf movie Apocalypse Child (2015). She fit the role as she has this mysterious aura whenever she's onscreen. Empress Schuck was also good in her portrayal of Primo's best friend. But the real star of the film is Carlo Aquino, who gives a very committed performance as the protagonist, Primo. After his stint in the youth oriented film Bar Boys earlier this year, I've decided to follow Carlo Aquino's next projects and Throwback Today was the perfect movie for him. He definitely looked and felt so convincing as Primo. Whenever he's onscreen, one can't help but to be magnetized with his charm. He is able to shift from high and low emotions and still keep us glued to the screen with presence.

I pretty much enjoyed Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi "Throwback Today". This is the type of film that anyone can easily appreciate. It isn't bombastic in any way. But it's a simple movie that will leave a smile in your face once you leave the cinema.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Throwback Today" (2017)
Directed by Joseph Teoxon, starring Carlo Aquino, Empress Schuck, Annicka Dolonius, Allan Paule and Kat Galang
An official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival

Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Kip Oebanda's "Nay"

Ms. Sylvia Sanchez is "Nay"

After his critically-acclaimed youth oriented film Bar Boys which debuted at the first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, director Kip Oebanda is back. This time, he takes on a classic Filipino folklore and gives it a new, millennial spin. Tagged as a gore film, this horror drama mixes shocks with political messages and underlying themes. “Nay”, written and directed by Kip Oebanda, stars a pretty interesting cast, led by Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, together with Harvey Bautista and Carla Humphries and is one of the official entries to the Cinema One Originals 2017.

Martin's (Enchong Dee) sheltered life is turned around when he gets terminally ill. To save his life, his beloved yaya, Nay Luisa (Sylvia Sanchez) turns him into something truly horrifying. He must choose between dying or becoming a monster that preys on the poor and the weak in city where dehumanization has become the norm.

Screenshots from the trailer

The film is perfect for the theme of this year’s Cinema One Originals film festival: Walang Takot (fearless).The film’s story is not just about the plight of Martin’s character after being turned into an aswang. It also tackles very important and relevant issues today, particularly on extra-judicial killings. Though technically a horror film, Nay hides a lot of political and social overtones underneath it’s bloody and violent skin. It offers a very timely commentary on our society’s morality nowadays, particularly how we are slowly being desensitized to violence around us. At one point of the film, Nay Luisa asks Martin who is he to judge who should die and who should live. This pretty much mirrors how the people responsible for those extra-judicial killings are deciding whether it’s better if one man should just die instead of giving him a chance to change.

The film’s boasts a very powerful cast. Enchong Dee was really good in portraying the young yuppie Martin. He was able to convey a lot of emotions for his character, particularly during the time he was suffering from his illness. Jameson Blake has improved a lot since his past stint in 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten and Nabubulok. He has grown into the craft he is passionate about. I think he should get more challenging roles because for sure, he’s going to nail them. I was impressed with Carla Humhries and Harvey Baustista in this movie. And of course, who can forget Ms. Sylvia Sanchez’ tour de force performance as the title role Nay. She surprised us with her bravura take on her character. She was magnetic and captivating. She quickly shifts from being funny to scary. It was a performance that deserves recognition, perhaps a Best Actress award.

And yes, the film succeeds in it’s promises of gore. Nay is definitely one of the bloodiest Pinoy horror films I’ve seen, with it’s shocking and brutal visuals. It doesn’t care about jump scares an instead, it’s focused on shocking the audience with it’s unapologetic blood shedding. Though it’s not as gory as other foreign gore films I’ve seen, it has enough to satisfy my cravings as a gorehound. The pacing of the film was slow, but it was okay. It wasn’t really boring because of the witty script, combining shocks and humor. So far, this is one of the best Aswang movies I’ve seen in local cinema. Also, some of the scenes of the film reminds me of the Spanish horror film REC . And that ending has some Hannibal feels in it.

Watching Nay was a great way to start my Cinema One Originals experience this year. It’s shocking, brutal and bloody. But it’s also funny and entertaining, plus it’s timely commentary on our society’s issues today is very relevant. A millennial Aswang film? What more can you ask for?

Rating: ✰✰✰✰1/2  of 5

"Nay" (2017) directed by Kip Oebanda, Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez

An official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival