Three stories are featured in the movie version of Kapuso Mo Jessica Sojo’s Gabi ng Lagim — Yam Laranas’ Pocong, Dodo Dayao’s Berbalang and King Mark Baco’s Sanib. The narratives are interesting and intriguing. Artistically and technically polished. There were also stand out performances. The introduction of Ms. Jessica Sojo gave the trilogy gravitas. With regard to its terror and scare component, it’s for you to find out and experience.
‘Pocong’
What makes Laranas’ segment an interesting watch is the introduction of an Indonesian ghost that haunts a ship and its seafarers. This ghost must not be spoken of, for it will disturb your dreams; even the mere mention of its name gives it power over you.
When the ghost makes its first appearance on screen, the jolt and terror factor feel rather lightweight.
The truly terrifying aspect of this episode is the loneliness slowly killing the seafarers. It shows that bullies are often the most fragile people — their macho posturing and displays of superiority merely mask insecurity. It also highlights that the biggest trade-off of being at sea and earning well for one’s family is distance, silence and the painful reality of children growing up without your presence, turning you into a stranger to them. The real horrors are anxiety, guilt and mistrust.
Performance-wise, Kristoffer Martin, Jon Lucas, Phi Palmos and Miguel Tanfelix offer sincere and vulnerable portrayals. The level of truth they bring to their characters reminds us that seafarers are indeed heroes — survivors of emptiness, loneliness, the wrath of the ocean and the reality that they must always start from scratch emotionally when they return home to their families.
‘Berbalang’
This creature is neither a manananggal nor even a close cousin of the aswang. The berbalang is a supernatural being, a flesh-eating creature that sustains itself on the internal organs of the newly dead. It possesses super strength, razor-sharp elongated claws, a tongue that stretches, astonishing speed and the ability not just to levitate but to fly.
When the berbalang first appears on screen, we do not see the creature. The second time, it is albino-colored with silver-blonde hair, feasting on what appears to be lungs. The third, a well-choreographed and precisely edited sequence, unleashes its full wrath.
In terms of acting, bravo to Rocco Nacino, Nico Manalo, Sanya Lopez and Elijah Canlas. Nacino is at his campiest as the local chief of police. Manalo proves there are no small actors, only small roles. Lopez is both comely and fierce. Canlas, as always, brings his A-game to any character assigned to him.
The most terrifying aspect of this episode is how those sworn to protect and serve are the very ones who become tyrannical — and how easily they succumb to madness. Their hunger for power, fueled by greed, only leads to tragic consequences. In the end, it remains uncertain if good will triumph, for evil lurks in many forms, shapes and sizes.
‘Sanib’
Of the three, this is the most visually stunning. Its take on demonic possession, the eternal battle between good and evil, the doubts surrounding one’s faith and the power of the Almighty, and the depiction of unconditional love — the most powerful force of all — feels fresh, exciting and remarkably real.
Jillian Ward gives her all as a possessed young woman. Martin del Rosario and Epi Quizon (in two close-ups, Quizon strikingly resembles his late father, the legendary comedy king Dolphy) are convincing as priests experienced in confronting demonic forces, with Del Rosario particularly swoon-worthy as Father Rex. Lotlot de Leon portrays the mother with tenderness and truth.
The most terrifying aspect of this final episode lies in the idea that depression, self-doubt, repressed anger and resentment are magnets for dark forces. That faith and morality — the things we hold sacred — will always be tested. And that reciting prayers is never enough; one must believe in them with all one’s heart and soul. Ultimately, what truly terrifies us are our choices — and when we choose wrongly, the consequences are dire and damning.
KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim is now showing in cinemas nationwide.