KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim is a film bound by intriguing, real-life stories, packed with goosebump-inducing moments that make the big screen experience unforgettable. The movie brings three hair-raising episodes to life, each distinct in tone, style, and emotional impact, leaving viewers talking long after the credits roll.
The first episode, Pocong, stars Miguel Tanfelix as a cadet seafarer whose first voyage turns terrifying when he encounters hauntings aboard his ship. Based on Indonesian ghost stories and Malay folklore, this story delivers an eerie, slow-burn tension. Miguel’s performance is remarkably effective — you feel his fear and anxiety in every scene, making his terror palpable. The cinematography and sound design heighten the suspense, creatively using the confined space of the ship to amplify dread. For anyone immersed in the story, this episode is haunting in the truest sense, keeping you on edge with every moment.
Berbalang, my personal favorite, stands out for its world-building and meticulous attention to detail. Sanya Lopez plays the warrior perfectly, bringing strength and conviction to her role, while Elijah Canlas shines as her younger brother, his innocence and youth providing a compelling contrast to the dark narrative. The story follows a town grappling with whispers of a flesh-eating creature after a body is stolen from the morgue, blurring the line between myth and reality. Rocco Nacino, Mikoy Morales, Joel Saracho, Jojit Lorenzo, and Nicco Manalo all deliver solid performances, enhancing the episode’s richness. The production design, screenplay, and direction by Dodo Dayao make Berbalang a standout, leaving you wishing the story were a full-length feature on its own.
The final story, Sanib, explores the thin line between faith and fear. Jillian Ward delivers a powerhouse performance as a young girl possessed by an unspeakable evil, while a priest-in-training must confront his deepest fears in a battle between light and darkness. Directed by King Mark Baco, the episode offers a fresh take on the traditional Pinoy possession story, making it both chilling and thought-provoking. This segment is emotionally resonant, challenging the audience to reflect on faith, morality, and the nature of evil itself.
Overall, KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim transforms real Filipino stories into cinematic nightmares that feel both authentic and terrifying. Berbalang chills with its style and atmosphere, Pocong intrigues with its mystery, and Sanib stirs your faith. From the TV screens that defined Halloween nights for years to the immersive experience of the cinema, this film is a masterful translation of KMJS’ annual Halloween special into a big-screen spectacle. It is a movie that will leave audiences buzzing, reflecting, and perhaps even questioning the stories lurking just beyond the shadows.
Berbalang, my personal favorite, stands out for its world-building and meticulous attention to detail. Sanya Lopez plays the warrior perfectly, bringing strength and conviction to her role, while Elijah Canlas shines as her younger brother, his innocence and youth providing a compelling contrast to the dark narrative. The story follows a town grappling with whispers of a flesh-eating creature after a body is stolen from the morgue, blurring the line between myth and reality. Rocco Nacino, Mikoy Morales, Joel Saracho, Jojit Lorenzo, and Nicco Manalo all deliver solid performances, enhancing the episode’s richness. The production design, screenplay, and direction by Dodo Dayao make Berbalang a standout, leaving you wishing the story were a full-length feature on its own.
The final story, Sanib, explores the thin line between faith and fear. Jillian Ward delivers a powerhouse performance as a young girl possessed by an unspeakable evil, while a priest-in-training must confront his deepest fears in a battle between light and darkness. Directed by King Mark Baco, the episode offers a fresh take on the traditional Pinoy possession story, making it both chilling and thought-provoking. This segment is emotionally resonant, challenging the audience to reflect on faith, morality, and the nature of evil itself.
Overall, KMJS’ Gabi ng Lagim transforms real Filipino stories into cinematic nightmares that feel both authentic and terrifying. Berbalang chills with its style and atmosphere, Pocong intrigues with its mystery, and Sanib stirs your faith. From the TV screens that defined Halloween nights for years to the immersive experience of the cinema, this film is a masterful translation of KMJS’ annual Halloween special into a big-screen spectacle. It is a movie that will leave audiences buzzing, reflecting, and perhaps even questioning the stories lurking just beyond the shadows.
My Verdict: 3.5/5
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