Shake Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins is brutal, exciting, and bloody. Spanning three eras—1775, 2025, and 2050—the film delivers a complete package of action, horror, and suspense, making it a must-watch on the big screen. It’s exciting to see the long-loved Shake, Rattle & Roll franchise return to the Metro Manila Film Festival, this time with three interconnected episodes that explore the cyclical nature of evil.
The first episode, set in 1775 during the Spanish colonial period, immediately sets the tone with a mysterious and chilling atmosphere. The story follows a group of nuns struggling to survive after an unknown evil is unleashed in their cloister. Janice De Belen is terrifying and unforgettable as the villain, while Carla Abellana shines as a prophet dominating the scene with her presence. Elijah Alejo stands out as one of the victims, her scene in particular is to watch out for in this episode, and the convent’s world-building is so effective that the audience genuinely feels the demonic force at play. The suspense, jump scares, and eerie production design make this episode a strong opening for the anthology.
The second episode, set in 2025, is my personal favorite. A Halloween masquerade party turns into a deadly slasher scenario, blending campy horror with pulse-pounding suspense. Campy horror at its finest, capturing all the fun and thrills of a classic slasher suspense film. FranSeth delivers both as a partner and individually, while Francine Diaz proves her maturity as a leading lady—her role is captivating and truly “pambida.” Seth Fedelin shines in his heroic role, JMFYang shows strong chemistry with the cast while also standing out individually, and JM Ibarra adds depth to the ensemble. Fyang makes an impressive debut, and Sassa Gurl brings comic relief with her energy and antics. Karina Bautista is a surprise highlight, and a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress. She really nailed her role and is like a Trojan horse you never see coming. Beyond the cast, the episode’s visual effects, production design, musical score, and screenplay all impress. The slasher sequences are exhilarating, making this one of the most memorable episodes of Shake, Rattle & Roll. It’s easily one of the best recent Filipino slasher films I’ve seen, and I wish it could be developed into a standalone feature.
The final episode, set in 2050, takes the horror to a post-apocalyptic Philippines overrun by aswangs. This segment shines with its visual effects, production design, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences, summoning the intensity of a Hollywood zombie blockbuster. Richard Gutierrez excels in action and carries the episode with his authoritative performance. Dustin Yu is a breath of fresh air, promising, and it’s great to see him acting again on the big screen. His charm is undeniable. Ivana Alawi impresses with her action stunts, channeling a Tomb Raider–like energy. Manilyn Reynes, reprising a crossover role from Episode 2, provides both homage to the classic Shake, Rattle & Roll legacy and an emotional touchstone of the story. Mavi Lozano also delivers a noteworthy performance. His acting and character are lovable, and you’ll definitely root for him in this film.
Overall, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins is a must-watch on the big screen, as its production value is best appreciated with the large visuals and boombastic sound design. If you want to experience an adrenaline-pumping film, are a horror or slasher fan, or just want to feel the thrill and scream with friends in the cinema, this film is a must-watch at this year’s MMFF.
My Verdict: 4/5
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