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Review: ‘Talahib’ masterfully builds tension

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Josh Mercado

<p>Directed by Alvin Yapan and produced by Feast Foundation, Sinag Maynila entry “Talahib” successfully injects fear into your very marrow, with Joem Bascon, Kristof Garcia, and Gillian Vicencio as stars of the movie.</p><p>Anything and everything can happen, which puts you on edge. Yapan uses every element to scare you — from the haunting music to heart-stopping cinematography. In the words of Gen Z, he never disappoints. </p><p>This serial killer horror masterpiece revolves around a ghost killer preying upon hapless victims who happen to pass by a talahiban in an abandoned subdivision. Their bodies are always found asphyxiated before being disposed in the same talahiban.</p><p>In addition, the horror adventure film is about the legacy of violence being passed down from parents to children, and the problem of forgiveness to end the cycle of violence.</p><p>Bascon delivers well-crafted acting, powered by his believable body language and voice tone. If you try to focus on his face, the camera loves him. Most of his scenes are heavy, but there’s this one scene where it highlights his character’s vulnerability.</p><p>In the movie, he plays Bong, a police officer in his 30s. He believes in the power of the law to bring offenders to answer for their crimes. Still grieving the loss of his father, he gets drawn into a crime investigation that makes him believe in the supernatural.</p><div><img src="https://news-workbench-api.abs-cbn.com/api/upload-raw/20240906090924/669537909f097b5337aeaf3604539817aa6fcd2708b6c923103cf13eb0cbcfdb.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"/></div><div><strong>Garcia brings the drama </strong></div><p>Garcia is also outstanding here. Unlike Vicencio and Bascon, Garcia’s character focuses on his mental health. His scenes are mostly quiet, but they are powerful. He’s honest about his acting. It’s true that the most silent one has the most pain. </p><p>In the Yapan movie, the young actor gives life to Stephen, a mysterious character caught hanging around at the scene of the crime among the talahib grasses. He holds the key to the origin story of the ghost killer. He feels responsible for all the crimes that happened at the talahiban.</p><div><strong>Vicencio shines like a pro</strong></div><p>The youngest with the least experience in showbiz, the Kapamilya star proves her worth as an actress with her talent and gift. She never loses her character’s personality, like it’s really made for her. When she’s scared, audiences are scared. It’s a role that will not soon be forgotten. </p><p>She portrays a young graduate (Joyce) in her 20s. She leads her group of friends to investigate a crime their parents tried to cover up. She attempts to redress the wrongdoings by making their parents confess to the authorities.</p><p>The filmmaker praises all his actors and his whole team, and honestly has steadily built his movie profile.</p><p>Completely horrifying and really unnerving, Yapan has such mastery over tone and narrative that it simply leaves you speechless. </p><p>The conclusion should shook you even if you weren&#x27;t surprised by it. From beginning to end, this writing is killer.</p><p>It also stars Mercedes Cabral, Sue Prado, Iyo Canlas, Yam Mercado, Jess Mendoza, Kate Alejandrino, Dax Alejandro, Timothy Castillo, Angelie Sanoy, and Johnny Revilla.</p><p>Showing at Gateway 2, SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, SM Manila, SM Megamall, SM Southmall, SM North EDSA, SM Sta. Mesa, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Manila and Market Market from September 4 to 10. </p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/9/5/gillian-vicencio-takes-on-first-lead-role-in-slasher-film-talahib-1927" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gillian Vicencio takes on first lead role in slasher film &#x27;Talahib&#x27;</a></div><div><strong>Related videos:</strong></div><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-vid="2747861"></ivs-player></div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-vid="2742516"></ivs-player></div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script>

<p>Sinag Maynila entry 'Talahib' successfully injects fear into your very marrow, with Joem Bascon, Kristof Garcia, and Gillian Vicencio as stars of the movie.</p>

Sinag Maynila entry 'Talahib' successfully injects fear into your very marrow, with Joem Bascon, Kristof Garcia, and Gillian Vicencio as stars of the movie.

Sinag Maynila review: ‘Talahib’ masterfully builds tension

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Sinag Maynila review: ‘Talahib’ masterfully builds tension

Josh Mercado

Published Sep 06, 2024 04:27 PM PHT

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Updated Sep 06, 2024 04:42 PM PHT

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