Director Dan Villegas’ Ilawod is a satisfying horror film.

Ang ILAWOD o downstream ay ang pababang agos ng tubig. Ilaya ang pataas, ilawod ang pababa.

ILAWOD is director Dan Villegas’ first foray into the horror genre. Direk Dan initially wanted a demonic possession but after some brainstorming sessions with scriptwriter Yvette Tan, they finally settled on “a family plagued by a water elemental spirit.” With the help of director Antoinette Jadaone (Villegas’ girlfriend), their monster was named.

Ilawod or downstream is the opposite of ilaya or upstream. This word may be unfamiliar but it is creepy and intriguing enough. Just think of reports about mysterious or “unexplained” drowning. People who survived such incident say that a force tried to drag them down.

With a menacing water elemental spirit like that, Dan Villegas’ Ilawod is clearly a supernatural horror. But that is not all! I found two subgenres – psychological and drama horror which pulled me even more.

First, it is worth mentioning that Therese Malvar’s performance as the water elemental is so absorbing. Her first target in the family was the young son, Ben played by Harvey Bautista. She attacked Ben psychologically which I found beautiful.

On the side, the Ilawod also manifested to Bea the youngest child played by Xyriel Manabat, Kathy the mother played by Iza Calzado and Dennis the father played by Ian Veneracion. But as the elemental got deep into Ben’s head, the family’s world turned upside down.

The execution was very dramatic. The emotion heightened when the mom found out what happened to her son. As the father, Dennis did everything he could. Unfortunately, the family’s bond has been overtaken. Thus, the elemental won.

The supernatural element, psychological attack and dramatic scenes might not be a good horror combination for some. But there are times you won’t need horrific images to make you scared. The mind is very powerful and Ilawod played with that.

Moreover, it also makes you question why the elemental chose Dennis’ family. Was it because he made eye contact during the exorcism scene? Or, because he has a great family with a bond that’s so tempting to break.

In conclusion, director Dan Villegas’ Ilawod is a satisfying horror film. If he wants to, he can play with that character in the future. Since there’s not much information, he can treat his new fans with a better understanding of the water spirit.

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1st Ko Si 3rd has the power to awaken your senses to reevaluate your life.

Florido's 1st Ko Si 3rd has a simple storyline but don't be fooled. 1st Ko Si 3rd has the power to awaken your senses to reevaluate your life. This is due to the film's grasp of reality showing us a balanced and better picture of a senior's life.

With that, the viewers were able to see and feel the core emotions - joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust. Sounds like Pixar's Inside Out, doesn't it? In a way yes. While Riley deals with the emotions of a youth, Cory deals with the latter part of life.

It is also worth mentioning that the power the film is due to Nova Villa's portrayal of Cory and Dante Rivero's Alejandro (Cory's husband) persona. These two characters are quite different not only in terms of attitude but with the way they see life. When Cory struggles with her retirement, Alejandro does his best to bring happiness to her. He tries to fix the Mercedes-Benz so he can take Cory for a ride and teach her to drive.

Before the film ends, he succeeds in fixing their car and does what he promised. In fact, Alejandro gave more than that. He gave Cory strength and positive outlook to face their future together. This for me is the turning point of Cory's character. Joy overpowered all the other emotions allowing her to face her past and the regrets that came with it.

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“Dr. Cutie” truly is a rom-com, one that has a fast and straightforward plot

There is a comedy which is not the silly type. There is also romance which is quite lovely. And though there is a tragedy, it is not that dark because all the characters are self-actualised; not to mention, fast when making decisions in the name of justice.

I like that last part, to be honest. The main male leads know who their enemy is that is why they do not hesitate to make a move. However, the series still had some shortcomings.

Though the pace in this drama is just right, probably because they only have a total of 28 and after the 23rd episode everything feels rushed. Too rushed to the point that they downplayed some details.

For instance, after learning that Tian Qi is Shen Zhao Er, her character was not as strong and as determined as depicted in the early episodes. Though she was in danger many times before, she still had the will. Just because she can now be herself, does not mean she has to look weak. I guess I miss the witty and strong-willed Tian Qi.

Another thing that got me thinking is the antagonist or the real villain. It is essential to understand that “Dr. Cutie” has intertwining plots revolving around the main characters. We have Shen Zhao Er a.k.a Tian Qi and her past, General J and his family (Ji family) as well as the Ji family’s enemy, a clan in Dong Mountain Village who started a rebellion several years ago. Despite the conflicts presented, it is not easy to determine who the main antagonist is.

It frustrated me a little bit because the remaining heir of the clan from Dong Mountain Village seems to be cunning and dangerous. He plans well; unfortunately, the Ji half brothers – Ji Heng (General J) and Ji Zheng were more than he can take. They are smarter, faster and do not hesitate to protect. But by episode 27 that is when I realised there is something underneath.

Though Shen Zhao Er who disguised as a man is the main focus, I uncovered the Queen’s karma. The Dong clan is just a little external bump for the Ji family. The internal problem; on the other hand, is the Queen’s past decisions.

As per this drama and other dramas, people were quick to dismiss and take lives during those times. The Queen was the reason for the death of Shen Zhao Er’s family as well as the death of Ji Zheng’s mother. The remaining heir of the Dong clan used the situation to his advantage which of course, was not enough for him to be considered the villain.

I still could not point out who it is. I am starting to think there is no main antagonist as each character did something bad at some point. I guess “Dr. Cutie” truly is a rom-com, one that has a fast and straightforward plot which I enjoyed. “Dr. Cutie” is the perfect series after watching a heavy drama with 50 episodes.

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“37 Seconds” gives us a rare, authentic; not to mention, beautiful view

A few seconds into the film, you can already see how independent and strong our protagonist is. Yuma doesn’t let her condition get in her way. She can take the train to work and back home. Yes, our Yuma works as a manga artist or a “mangaka”.

She is very talented and her view of the world is amazing. Writer, director and producer Hikari made sure we see what’s on her mind. Whenever Yuma imagines a storyline and starts drawing, the audience is given passage through the world she is creating. I was compelled at one point and wanted to know more about that alien species.

Sadly, her view of the world isn’t enough.

In the story, Yuma isn’t exactly limited by her condition. She doesn’t even deprive herself. It just so happens the people around her wanted control.

One obstacle is the so-called friend she works with or rather for. Yuma is the one with great talent but is limited because she is being used. Another obstacle is her mother. Don’t get me wrong. This obstacle is a beautiful one, the type that will strengthen you.

Being the cute and persistent Yuma, she broke free and experienced what every person should. She experienced life at every turn. She met new people, made new friends, got drunk and had fun. Through that journey, she also found herself and in the end understood, accepted and returned back home.

Yes, I’m keeping a lot of details because it’s too pure and I want you to personally see it. As mentioned, “37 Seconds” is now streaming on Netflix. With what’s going on in the world at this moment, I’m pretty sure you can spare a little time for this beautiful film.

And in case you are wondering why “37 Seconds”, here’s a quote from the film.

It was 37 seconds. That’s how long I didn’t breathe after I was born. If I’d been born first, Yuka might have ended up like me. If I’d started breathing even one second sooner, maybe I’d be like her. I’d be free just like her. But I’m glad it was me. – Yuma

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Plot and characters were just a little too thin but the terrifying story is within

The trailer gave me a good impression. When I decided to hit play, the first sequence gave a promising start.

Set in an unknown forest, we see a teenage girl looking for her boyfriend. She didn’t look lost to me because it was obvious, she was being pranked. But that sequence did give off a terrifying vibe of being alone and lost. And just like I predicted, her boyfriend appears. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long as two found themselves in an irrevocable situation.

Now onto our main characters. It’s the typical situation friends getting together after finals week and ready to go on an adventure. Nothing wrong with that honestly. It’s not unique but it’s a true situation which anyone can relate to.

In terms of the story, I appreciate how they delivered and executed it. They used the forest and scares available well. But what I didn’t like is how horror movies work. Filipinos know that the lead actors Bianca Umali (Erika) and Miguel Tan Felix (Rich) are a loveteam.

Loveteams in the Philippines is essential and sacred. So, when they do a horror movie, you instantly know that they will both survive. Typical moves like that need to change. This is horror and you need to be bold.

Use all your characters well like Mac played by Kim Last, Thea played by Andrea Brillantes and Yel played by Taki Saito wisely. Build them well and make the audience love them so when they reach their end, they will be missed. Sadly, they were just disposed of.

Now, don’t let my words stop you from watching it. Banal (2019) or sacred in English is a good horror film. The plot and characters were just a little too thin but the terrifying story is within.

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The plot is familiar but I appreciate every scare and details they presented.

The film starts with a dream but some will say it’s a vision, a warning. I agree with the latter. The opening sequence was bleak, melancholy and the signs were all there. Indeed, something is going to happen with our protagonist who then wakes up in a hospital room where her daughter is confined.

Olivia played by Carmina Villaroel is a solo parent. She’s been making ends meet while taking care of her sick daughter, Anelle played by Krystal Brimner. But things aren’t going their way as Anelle has been confined for quite some time. As any solo parent and parent, in general, would do, Olivia finds a job. Though the job fair is exclusively for college students, she pursues it and ends up getting the job.

Now all throughout their journey, a bleak setting was presented. The atmosphere never broke but it gets darker and darker every time Olivia goes to work. She works as a call centre agent and her workplace is set in an old building with quite a history and filled with secrets.

As per Lance, the Team Leader played by JC Santos: “The Liboro House used to be a settlement for survivors back in World War II. The family’s patriarch, Doctor Jaime Liboro, bought the entire building and turned it into one of Manila’s best hospitals in the ’70s only to be reopened and remodelled into where we all are now.

Some housekeeping tips. LGO is currently the only office in the entire building. The second and third floors are all under renovations, so please be careful when walking around.”

Those secrets slowly come to light as Olivia helps a little girl, who she thought was lost, get out of the building. And this is where we first hear they use the title, sunod. The Filipino word sunod has different meanings but when Olivia used it, it simply means to follow her as she leads her out of the building.

Once she’s out, this is where all the craziness in Olivia’s life happens. Her daughter gets possesses by the little girl from the building which turns out to be Nerisa played by Rhed Bustamante. She and her mother Perla played by Susan Africa lived in the basement of the building when it was still a hospital.

Though the owner of the building already noticed how weird this girl is and her mother, his wife, a kind nurse showed them compassion and helped them in any way. Sadly, this mother and daughter tandem had terrifying plans for the wife. When they were caught by the husband, Dr Jaime Liboro played by Freddie Webb he strangled Nerissa out of anger ultimately killing her.

Now that night was set to happen again as Olivia mistakenly reunites Nerissa and her mother. With the thought of finding Nerissa’s body in the basement to help her move on, Olivia finds herself in the same position as Dr Liboro’s wife. Tied to a sacrificial table, Perla starts the ritual. The red thread or yarn, as well as the visions Olivia, keeps having turned into her reality.

From what I understood, Olivia is the next or sunod. The next person or body that Perla will be taking. Now was she successful? I’m not going to tell you just like I didn’t share the whole film.

But I am going to tell you that though the plot is familiar, I appreciate every scare and details they presented. It’s honestly simple but beautiful especially the part with the red thread or yarn. The actors are great, too. I think Carmina Villaroel played Olivia well most especially Krystal Brimner who played Anelle.

I think the only problem I have is I wanted a little more story concerning the ritual. What kind of people are these mother and daughter duo? Are Perla and Nerissa their original form? Or, did they also steal these people’s lives? Lastly, what exactly is this ritual and what were those dark figures?

I’m not hoping for part two. But if they will, I hope they will keep it simple, scary and break barriers like they did in this film. You see, when there is a backstory about a rich family in a horror film, they usually have something to do with everything. But not here. The Liboro family is innocent except for killing Anelle who tried to sacrifice and killed the Mrs.

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Filmmakers did not waste any second. Every scene was flawless.

The first few minutes are all about lolo Bert (Dido Dela Paz). He lives alone in an old brown house. He doesn’t like company so he pretty much ignores people who knock on his door. If you don’t read the synopsis as I do, you will start to think that lolo Bert is an introvert. He cherishes serenity and enjoys a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day. But soon you find out that he is suffering.

Ang Gasgas na Plaka ni Lolo Bert Poster*Side note: As lolo Bert cleans the old piano, we see two books – A Credible Threat by Janet Dawson and Trip to Quiapo: Scriptwriting Manual by Ricky Lee. Because you don’t just put sir Ricky Lee’s book for no reason, I searched for the first book.

The first phrase from the summary caught my eye. It says, “The pleasant old brown shingle house…” Lolo Bert lives in a sombre old brown house. Moreover, one of the filmmakers, Janina Gacosta joined the Ricky Lee Scriptwriting Workshop.

As per the opening, we see a short report from the UNAIDS about the estimated number of people with HIV (PLHIV) in the country. In the end, we see an all too familiar line that says a lot about our society.

"HIV doesn’t kill – stigma does"

No wonder lolo Bert has shunned himself from the outside world and has somehow given up. But that changed when another unexpected knock comes at his door. It’s a box of memories where he finds an old vinyl record which we know by the title is broken.

When it did not properly play, he set out to have it fixed. Miyo (Soliman Cruz), the owner of the shop is a pleasant and friendly character. He is quite an open character and reveals too much about himself throughout lolo Bert’s trip to his shop. As expected, our main lead could not be bothered. But after a while, he succumbs to his desire.

The way this happened is very beautiful. From a sombre, old brown house to a bright, music-filled brown house, we see him dance with his ex-lover. When he wakes up, he did what he had to do – open up and be happy.

This short film has a running time of 19:07 minutes and the filmmakers did not waste any second. Every scene was flawless especially the set design, lighting and music. I felt sad for our main and even cried during the dance scene but eventually felt happy as he accepted the fact that he found and deserves happiness, too.

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Stripping the film of colour and focusing on the story works well with Pabasa Kan Pasyon

I didn’t read the synopsis before watching this but their trailer spoke for itself. The film is presented in black and white which I greatly appreciate. Though Holy Week is very quiet, the church has Liturgical colours. Purple or wine-red is suitable for the Holy Week while red or purple are appropriate for Palm Sunday. Stripping the film of colour and focusing on the story works well.

Moreover, this helps highlight the film’s beautiful composition. In fact, everything that appears on the screen including the sound and music is breathtaking. Now for the story.

The way I see it Pabasa Kan Pasyon (Chanting the Passion) is about a family’s faith and the will to survive. Now. Is it wrong to make a living off your faith? Honestly, yes. But if people give you something from the goodness of their heart, as in you do not require it, then I don’t see anything wrong accepting it.

In our province, this is normal. I’ve seen elderlies performing the pabasa on various houses and the owners would give them something in return.

A side note:

Pabása ng Pasyón, known simply as Pabása is a Catholic devotion in the Philippines popular during Holy Week involving the uninterrupted chanting of the Pasyón, an early 16th-century epic poem narrating the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Pabása ng Pasyón is not easy. Life, in general, is not easy especially with modern technology which rapidly changes. People who don’t have access to that, especially the elderly, are greatly affected. And that is why I understand the choices of our characters in this film.

BUT what I didn’t like is how the son pushes his mother. In the Catholic church, though they encourage and there are some youth serving, most of them are not on the younger side. I think that this should change. If the son enjoys being part of the Senakulo — a stage or street play about the Passion of Christ and performs whole-heartedly, then why can’t he do the pabasa instead? His mother badly needs rest.

The good thing about him though is he passed by the market to buy food for his family. But there is a bit of a problem as he bought raw meat and you know what that means for Catholics during the Lenten season. I guess he just wanted them to eat well on that day.

After all, everyone deserves to eat and live well. I do see where they are coming from.

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The mockumentary is successful in showing how families keep up with the life they have.

The first time I saw the trailer, I was already intrigued. As mentioned, time and time again, I don’t always read the synopsis. But I saw something in their 30-second trailer that made me want to watch it right away.

My intuition was right. There is indeed something about this short film which made me watch it again after completing all the entries in this year’s Cinemalaya.

What was that something, you ask? Well, the truth. Maybe not everyone’s but this is their truth. Just because there are families or people, in general living a different life that you don’t mean that their experience or feeling is the same.

Sure, they don’t have a lot in terms of material wealth but I can say the same with families who live in villages or subdivisions. They don’t have a lot and they struggle as well. We’ve all seen that type of portrayal common on teleseryes where they would exaggerate the socioeconomic status of a character. Thus, creating a huge gap between each.

If you’re rich, then you are filthy rich with a mansion, an ancestral home and cars on your driveway. You also speak English or “Spanish” which is only limited to the words bueno, tonta or cochina. If you are poor, then you live in a barong-barong and only speak Filipino.

Is there no in-between? I doubt it. But I have to point out that there have been some changes in the way socioeconomic statuses are presented on television and film today.

Now, let’s take a look at the family in the film. They are made of likeable, relatable and good characters. If they start a YouTube channel, I would surely subscribe and watch their videos. Why? Simply because they are the true picture of what a family should be. They have values and you see how much they love each other.

The mockumentary is successful in showing how families keep up with the life they have. And let me tell you, a family like them exists and they are not going to give up. They will continue to work hard and live a good life they deserve.

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A beautiful series but dwindled towards the end

When I started watching the series, all six episodes were already available on Netflix. The moment I finished watching an episode, I already knew I wanted to watch the entire show. So every Wednesday and Thursday night I would wait for the latest episode. It was unbearable at first because the drama gave me several emotions – heartache, hope, wonder and nostalgia.

The first six episodes got me. I felt everything the story wanted me to feel; not to mention, I related well to the characters especially with Noh Ae-jung (Song ji-hyo). Well, only the part about the sacrifices and her dreams. But pretty sure some numerous viewers relate to her and the other characters well.

But I was able to endure the long wait every two episodes because I was happy with every single episode especially the flashbacks. Also, I’m glad all the actors in the show participated in this drama. I couldn’t imagine someone else in their places.

Sadly, towards the end, I was not having the same satisfaction. Episodes 15 and 16 were the lowest episodes for me. If you watched the series, you might have remembered that there was a cancellation of episode 15 release. JTBC did not air the said episode due to typhoon Bavi so fans of the series waited a bit longer.

Since we were down with the last two episodes, I decided to watch them when they’re both out. The day came and I finally did. As per my thoughts on the early episodes, I lost all those feelings towards the last two episodes.

I thought there would be a sense of clarity and satisfaction. I did get the former but the latter was a slight disappointment. I felt that a person who underwent such tragic misunderstanding, yes I use tragic, should get the best conclusion. Noh Ae-jung and Oh Dae-oh/Cheon Eok-man deserved so much better like the rest of the main and supporting characters did.

Don’t get me wrong. I did appreciate the ending specifically how our beloved Noh Ae-jung finally fulfilled her dream and continuous to do so. Also, I know they did end up together but the added two years apart was an agony.

In the previous episode where they fixed Ryu Jin’s problem, the way they did that to protect Noh Ha-nee and also Ryu Jin was so well-planned and executed. But when the problem with Oh Dae-oh or should I say, his other persona Cheon Eok-man the author resurfaced, it was different.

I guess it’s because he knows well and is already a part of Noh Ae-jung and Noh Ha-nee life that he wanted to protect the love of his life and daughter. It makes sense, to be honest. But the hyped feelings the series gave us since episode 12 dwindled in the last two episodes.

I guess that just made me a bit sad about how the beautiful series ended. I can re-watch the early episodes but not the whole series.


P.S The music here is really good especially Dreams by Lee Ba Da. It’s the perfect music to describe Noh Ae-jung’s journey.

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Overused theme but presented a different time and plot

Though Netflix’s Kingdom features an overused theme, they presented a different time and plot. (Yes, I said it and you know it!) Kingdom is set in the medieval Joseon dynasty (1392 to 1897) which was a politically troubling time for both citizens and royalty. Corruption and famine were rampant plus their nation is plagued with the infected and other types of carnivorous and liquor-drinking monsters in various parts of the kingdom.

In a typical period drama or a typical zombie film, you will not see these problems right away. It takes time to build up. But Netflix’s Kingdom’s pacing is fast and more engaging. From the title sequence, we were already given so many clues or Easter eggs about what happened to the King.

That sequence gave chills to my body more than Netflix’s Stranger Things title sequence, to be honest. With the ominous music, dark colour and the incense smoke, the title sequence helped establish the setting and tone of the series.

And the first episode did not disappoint! It was enough for viewers to get hooked and finish all six episodes. Yes, there are only six episodes but each is 43 to 56-minute long. And though it was faced-paced, their execution did not fail to leave a great impression. It also did not fail to love and despise certain characters.

And as soon as I got to the last episode, I was amazed by the great plot twist. The zombies we know does not exist here. Moreover, the infected and the cause were revealed and explained well in this series all thanks to Seo-Bi who acquired Physician Lee Seung-Hui’s journal detailing the use of the legendary resurrection plant which helped her piece things together.

But season 1 ended with a major cliffhanger!

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Thought-provoking film that will not waste your time

Just a few seconds into the film, I was slowly captivated by the colours. Yes, it is sad and dull. But there is beauty even though it is a sombre colour palette. Besides that, the transitions are fitting as well. From locating the missing smartphone of our lead character, a Galaxy Note 9 (not sponsored) to be exact, the scene slowly and beautifully transitioned to a brain scan.

Okay, that might be ridiculous to some. But I do love a good transition. And with The Call (2020), it does not end with simple film transitions. There are several as the story shows us various process or periods of changing from one state to another, which are often heartbreaking. The narrative keeps moving and transforming as both our leads do what they need to survive and live the life they deserve.

And we all know this does not always work out. Sure, we can repeatedly change our life or rather what is up ahead as we have the power to plan or retract every decision we make. However, we cannot control external factors nor mould our life according to what we only want. And most importantly, we can not change the past. A truth that is hard for everyone to accept.

Speaking of which this film is not about time travel. No one travels from past to present or vice versa. The Call (2020) focuses more on connecting with the past and then bending reality when one realises she had the upper hand.

This horror mystery thriller is one of those films that work your brain. If you love that kind of genre, I highly recommend The Call (2020). It is one thought-provoking film that will not waste your time.

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Go Ahead is the type of series you can't forget

Caring neighbours and nosy neighbours, there is a difference. But one must carefully draw a line so as not to interfere too much in one’s private affairs. These were my first thoughts when I started watching Go Ahead, a 2020 Chinese television drama series that revolves around three non-blood-related kids who became each other’s family.

I am not saying it was a bad start, okay? It was a very effective introduction that successfully grabbed my attention. Seeing too many telenovelas, K-dramas, J-dramas, and other series on various platforms Go Ahead is the only family drama I was willing to see through.

I give Go Ahead a perfect score because the effort of everyone who made this series radiates. I honestly did not expect the intense quality Go Ahead was going to give when I first saw clips online. The story, actors, music, basically the whole production is wonderful. Go Ahead is the type of series you will not easily forget.

https://clarisays.com/2021/04/26/reelview-thoughts-on-go-ahead-2020/

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To be fair, Bleach is the type of anime that’s difficult to adapt into live-action. I’m not saying it’s impossible, okay. But Bleach features a huge world. There’s Karakura Town, the place where our main character lives and that’s the human world. Then there’s Soul Society where most souls dwell until they are reincarnated. At the centre of that place is a city called Seireitei where Shinigami (Soul Reaper) live. There’s also Hell where wicked Hollows reside and Hueco Mundo, the space between the human world and Soul Society. This is where most Hollow and Arrancar are situated.

One wrong decision in the storyline can mess everything up. Thank goodness, Kubo decided to be involved ensuring its faithfulness to the manga and anime. I can definitely say that both old and new fans can enjoy it. I really enjoyed seeing everything come to life (sort of)!

The only problem for me is Rukia’s role in the movie. I’m a big fan of Kuchiki Rukia, the shinigami that came into contact with Kurosaki Ichigo. Though Ichigo was the centre of it all, Rukia is a strong character and plays a vital role. I just wish they gave Rukia a little more focus. I urge you to watch the TV series to get my point. But overall I appreciate what Bleach (2018) offered and hope there would be more in the future.

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Successfully executed and presented both the comedy and the horror without pretensions

Secrets in the Hot Spring (2018) is not an ambitious film. It knows what it is and thus, successfully executed and presented both the comedy and the horror elements without pretensions.

I’m sure you’ve seen comedy horror films that lean more on comedy and isn’t scary at all. There are also films of the same genre that doesn’t give justice to the comedy part. With Secrets in the Hot Spring (2018), you will truly get both the comedy and the horror of the story. And in the end, you will also receive a heartwarming story that completes the film experience.

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