Motel Acacia is about JC (Santos), a young Filipino man forced to take over the family business set by his estranged tyrant father (Jan Bijvoet of Netflix’s Peaky Blinders), a lonesome motel in the remote wilderness, providing shelter to illegal immigrants in behalf of the government. JC and fellow Filipino Angeli (Isidro) along with the guests soon discover that Motel Acacia is home to a dark and ancient spirit, which devours men and impregnates women. With food running out and a violent blizzard preventing the guests to leave, a despite fight for survival begins. In an attempt rid himself from his father’s shadow, JC risks losing his own humanity.
Motel Acacia is more of a psychological film than horror film. Without the obvious jump scare element, the film has been able to build tension and keeps you hook at the edge of your seat with its atmospheric setting and mysterious premise. Motel Acacia feels like watching an international film with competent Filipino lead actors JC Santos and Agot Isidro. Motel Acacia boasts of its outstanding cinematography and production design that serves as added character to the story of the film. You will feel the cold and eerie for the film through its visual alone. The inner layer of stories on social commentary were layout in the film in subtle and make you think and reflect on the realities of life. The moral lesson of the film on the other hand will make you reflect on how much can you contain or control the monster in you and how far can you live with your principles. In a way Motel Acacia is also a parallel reflection of each individual on how to deal with every monster that we encounter in life. Motel Acacia is a unique take on the usual horror film and a must see for horror movie lovers.
My Verdict: 3.5/5
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