Among the many noteworthy films shown during the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), “Mallari” stood out as a noteworthy masterpiece. This event marked a turning point for Philippine filmmaking.Starring the one and only Piolo Pascual, Janella Salvador, and JC Santos, this film takes a departure from the typical Filipino horror narrative, providing audiences with a refreshing and immersive experience. Let’s dive into why “Mallari” stands out from the conventional local horror film in the philippines.
“Mallari” swerves away from the clichéd horror plots of haunted houses or vengeful spirits. Instead, it unravels the intriguing story of a third-generation Mallari, delving into the history of his lineage to find a cure for his ailing wife. The film creatively employs foreshadowing, flashbacks, and dream-induced time travel, weaving a narrative that explores the motivations behind the actions of Kapampangan priest ; Fr. Juan Severino Mallari, the only documented serial killer in the Philippines.
“Mallari” distinguishes itself through its impeccable production quality. The cast, led by Piolo Pascual, delivers compelling performances that breathe life into their characters.
The set design is meticulous, with every element chosen with precision. Noteworthy props like blankets, cameras, and amulets add depth to the storytelling. The film’s framing and cinematography showcase marvelous visuals, skillfully navigating three generations with seamless color grading. The carefully curated music scoring deserves a special mention, earning the film the prestigious Best Scoring award at the Gabi ng Parangal.
In a cinematic landscape dominated by common and predictable horror tropes , “Mallari” emerges as a breath of fresh air. Its ability to explore into various cultural themes, seamlessly blend timelines, and captivate audiences with stellar production quality makes it a standout entry in the MMFF. This shows how effectively Filipino horror films can incorporate historical details and mythology as long as their directors are aware that the true fear is found in the human condition. Additionally, similarly to the crucial scenario that is also seen in the teaser, “‘Diba, isang sumpa ang mag-mahal?(Isn’t loving a curse?)”
As the curtains close on 2023, “Mallari” not only marks a milestone in Filipino horror but stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Philippine cinema.
Indeed a 11/10 movie!
