Espantaho [a Filipino Horror film] --- unintentionally hilarious! XD

I'm a fan of horror films, especially psychological ones. However, it's quite rare for me to watch Filipino movies. I think it's because I'm familiar with them, so they have been predictable for me. Some of them are even quite cringe to watch, but others may still enjoy it.

When we had an internet problem last week, I couldn't work. I have some phone data, so I tried looking for stuff to watch on Netflix. Then among the suggestions was this Filipino film called Espantaho.

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What got me interested was the lineup of actors who were cast in the film. They're really big names in the Philippine movie industry, like Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Chanda Romero, Janice De Belen, Eugene Domingo, Tommy Abuel, and so on. In addition, the director Chito S Roño is quite known for directing horror films in my country.

Given this lineup, I have high expectations. But I realized that I shouldn't have done that. hahaha Anyway, allow me to tell you more about the movie.

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The movie is about Monet and her mom Rosa. The two of them, alongside other family members and friends, are mourning her father's death.

Monet's mother was her father's second wife. During the nine-day vigil following her father's death, her father's first wife and her half-siblings came. They're planning to sell the properties left by her father, but Monet asked them to wait until the vigil is over.

However, as the vigil was held, unsettling events started happening. Some people ended up missing. As they try to find out what's happening, dark secrets are revealed, and entities start lurking in their ancestral home.

To be honest, I actually like the story. I'm Filipino, so it was quite predictable for me. However, it's a good way to introduce some Filipino culture, traditions and folklore to the foreign audience.

It's packed with heavy and deep family-related issues that are relatable. The actors, especially the main character, did an amazing job in portraying her role. It's as I expected, given the amazing lineup of stars that I mentioned earlier in this post.

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Talent-wise, especially the cast, I'm hands down. However, what put me off was the effects. T_T The CGI did not give justice to the story and the effort of the actors. It decreased the eeriness of the film.

The sound effects, and in my opinion, "forceful" jump scares, made the movie funny instead. I guess they wanted to emphasize on the "horror" part, but it became too much... and ended up comedic.

I guess, if they tried to keep it simpler and less forced, the effect on the audience (at least for me) would be bigger.

So, instead of suspense or horror, it has become a mystery drama with a touch of comedy. I couldn't take it very seriously, to be honest.

It had so much potential, but it kind of got weighed down by the visuals. It's frustrating because I like the plot, and the performance of the actors was amazing, but they lack the technical execution.

Will I recommend it?

I want to. It could be interesting to people who are unfamiliar with Filipino culture, and the story gives that. Filipino talent, when it comes to acting, is also very commendable, especially the cast of this film. So yeah, I'd still recommend it. BUT, I'll leave a friendly heads-up about the CGI or effects.

Anyway, I still enjoyed it. The actors' talent was the saving grace. hahah Though I'm afraid that I won't be watching this a second time. XD

So yeah, that's it for now. Thanks for reading, and see you around! (^^,)/