Clinging Unto? Toxic

Horror? Served. 

Tension? Well-catered.

Concept?  Top-notched.

Acting? Beyond on-point.

Photo credits to: Facebook (2019)

    The film directed by Eric Matti, in 2019 entitled Kuwaresma, follows a dystopic family which was haunted by the ghost of their youngest daughter. Though, in the course of mourning, secrets unfold. A shuddering one. The film was set in the 1900s, as supported by the color palette. Which was grainy and a bit of sepia. Although, the visibility of the film was well-maintained even in the dark. Hence, cinematography was one of its fortes. For it was able to encapsulate the beauty of the setting but still envelops an eerie feeling. 

The camera work also highlighted the subtleness of the film. Such as the angle being slightly higher if the close-up was on the father, the separation of shots in a family dinner, the side perceptions of the camera, and the like. Moreover, it became the channel of the film to connect with and take the audience into the film. Along with it were sound effects.  Which carried the heaviness of the film; in with the cooperation of lighting. 

Photo credits to: Wander (2019)

The editing, movie effects, and set design are believable enough, considering the budget for films. Especially how they leave cliffhangers and then surprise the audience with a jump scare or simply leave them on the edge of their seats. The most notable aspect, however, was the acting. Though, what can we expect from John Arcilla and Sharon Cuneta? Yet, the portrayal of their son did not lag behind. The three actors were more than enough to satisfy the viewers' expectations. The chemistry between them was natural, and they are very much like a family. Their rawness in emotions and piercing gaze. Even the screams still haunt me. 

   However, the writer had become quite ambitious. As the concept of the film is patriarchy, they have brought eras of it and had compressed it in the dimension of film. Which unfortunately stray from the plot of the story. It was a bit forced as well and changed the sense of a character’s death. 

     For me, it would be better if the writer focused more on the protagonist's family. Specifically on developing the meek and martyr mother. Which I hope to develop bit by bit. Though, since she had changed drastically, I hope that she was able to embody it deeper. The protagonist's development was great, but there are loopholes in creating his identity, which I hope will be polished more. 

      As there are circumstances that do not add up nor explain. Furthermore, the father’s backstory or a simple glimpse of how he became as such would be quite interesting and a cherry on top. I guess for the type of concept they are going for, it would be better if it is a psychological-thriller rather than horror-mystery-thriller genre. 

    Overall, I truly adore the concept and creation of the film. I would also recommend it for anyone to watch. As for me, it was by far the most interesting Filipino horror film due to its concept. concept of how patriarchy kills the family. That a family should function not as a military unit but as a home. A home where love should foster and acceptance goes both ways. Rank should not be imposed but rather based on respect. I do also like how there are minor issues that intensify the concept, which are being a bystander, mentality, and mental health issues. Hence, if I were to rate it, I’d say it would be more of a seven over ten or maybe an eight. Though, I hope you will find it as interesting as I do!

     The bug that ruins the family would lie on the inside. Creeping within the relations and eating the values. Find the bug and kill the bug. Consequences are foreseen but expected.