Geline Salac

Judy Ann, Lorna give acting masterclass in ‘Espantaho’

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735173398301Espantaho.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino attend the &#x27;Espantaho&#x27; premiere night at SM Megamall. Josh Mercado</div>Watching Chito Roño&#x27;s &quot;Espantaho&quot; is like watching an acting masterclass with two movie legends, Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino.In the midst of the terrifying events, objects, worms, and rats, Santos and Tolentino remain committed to their characters, demonstrating to the public that they are indeed the outstanding actresses that people grew up with.The legends that they are, both Santos and Tolentino offer everything they need to deliver, not only to gratify their director, but also to the moviegoers.In &quot;Espantaho,&quot; an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024, Santos plays Monet and Tolentino plays Rosa, both of whom are mourning the death of the family patriarch Pabling. Throughout the nine days of Pasiyam, dark secrets and a deadly plot emerge. Monet and Rosa must overcome past traumas and a strange menace in order to save their family.The movie is produced by Quantum Films with Cineko Productions and Santos’s Purple Bunny Productions.<div>Santos returns to horror scene</div>The award-winning actress dominated the horror genre with &quot;Wow, Multo!&quot; (1997), &quot;Ouija&quot; (2007), &quot;Mag-ingat Ka sa Kulam” (2008), and “T’yanak” (2014).After a decade, she returned to the horror genre with a film she co-produced. It&#x27;s a legendary comeback, having both intensity and vulnerability in her performance.Her role in the film has numerous responsibilities, including being a wife, mother, and daughter. As a wife, she loves and trusts her husband, played by JC Santos. As a mother, she tries everything she can to secure her son&#x27;s future. And, as a daughter, she is caring and empathetic, constantly seeking her mother&#x27;s presence.The film emphasizes the love between a mother and her daughter, demonstrating that love for one&#x27;s mother never fades. Even when the individual leaves, the love remains. The emotional sequences move viewers, with Santos displaying honest emotion.Philippine cinema is fortunate to have Santos as one of its top actresses. Her motions, dialogues, camera angles, confrontational scenes (and even quiet scenes), and eyes are all examples of why the industry refers to her as a Prime Superstar.<div>Tolentino is mothering </div>In addition to her role as a mother in Roño&#x27;s film, Tolentino offers what Gen Z refers to as &quot;mother.&quot;People are moved by her direct eye contact throughout scenes. In the film, Tolentino guides and protects her daughter through ups and downs.Her character displays determination as a result of a horrific past. The message is that trauma haunts people and always affects them.Behind Tolentino&#x27;s white costume is a story that audiences must see for themselves.Her acting exudes force, as evidenced by her eyes and minimal dialogues. And if you&#x27;re wondering what Tolentino&#x27;s best scene in the film is, it&#x27;s the one where she needs to let go.Santos and Tolentino give award-worthy performances. The film is more than just horror; it&#x27;s a story about a mother and daughter that viewers can identify to.“Espantaho” also features beautiful performances from Janice de Belen, Eugene Domingo, and Chanda Romero.

In 'Espantaho,' both Judy Ann Santos and Lorrna Tolentino offer everything they need to deliver, not only to gratify their director Chito Rono, but also to the moviegoers.

In 'Espantaho,' both Judy Ann Santos and Lorrna Tolentino offer everything they need to deliver, not only to gratify their director Chito Rono, but also to the moviegoers.

MMFF review: Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino give acting masterclass in ‘Espantaho’

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Movies & Series

MMFF review: Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino give acting masterclass in ‘Espantaho’

Josh Mercado

Published December 26, 2024 08:36 AM PHT

|

Updated December 26, 2024 08:37 AM PHT

Read More:

MMFF

movie review

Espantaho

Judy Ann Santos

Lorna Tolentino

horror movie

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.