The Strangers (2012 film)

Last updated

The Strangers
The Strangers.jpg
Theatrical movie poster
Directed byLawrence Fajardo
Screenplay by
  • John Bedia
  • Henry Burgos
  • John Roque
  • Armando Lao
Story by
  • John Bedia
  • John Paul Abellera
  • Enrico Santos
Produced by
  • Edgar Mangahas
  • John Victor Tence
Starring
CinematographyLouie Quirino
Edited byLawrence Fajardo
Music byJoseph Lansang
Production
companies
  • Quantum Films
  • MJM Productions
Distributed by Star Cinema
Release date
  • December 25, 2012 (2012-12-25)
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino
Box office₱7.3 million [1] (first two days)

The Strangers is a 2012 Philippine horror adventure film directed by Lawrence Fajardo and one of the official entries of the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival. The film stars an ensemble cast including Enchong Dee, Julia Montes, Enrique Gil and JM De Guzman with Janice de Belen. The film is produced by Quantum Films and MJM Productions and distributed by Star Cinema on December 25, 2012.

Contents

Plot

In the serene oasis of Murcia, a dysfunctional family embarks on their annual out-of-town trip to celebrate the twins, Pat (Julia Montes) and Max's (Enrique Gil) [2] 18th birthday. Pat and Max are joined by their parents, Roy (Johnny Revilla) and Evelyn (Cherry Pie Picache), [2] their grandfather Pete (Jaime Fabregas), his caregiver Paloma (Janice de Belen), and their newly hired family driver, Toning (Nico Antonio). Despite simmering tensions within the family, they agree to set aside their differences and enjoy the provincial excursion. [3]

As they traverse the countryside's winding backroads, their joy is abruptly shattered when their van collides with an elderly woman on the road. Panic consumes them as they search for the woman's body, only to find it had mysteriously vanished.

Roy, fearing the worst, urges the family to flee the scene. But their escape is short-lived as their van breaks down deep within the ominous Cabitongan forest. Night descends upon them, and misfortune follows suit.

Toning loses Roy and then falls victim to an unknown creature. Roy disappears into the shadows, and Lolo Pete meets a gruesome end as he prepares to battle a monstrous entity.

With their van immobilized, the remaining family members unite to face their dire predicament. However, their ordeal takes a chilling turn when they discover they are trapped in a remote village led by the enigmatic Kapitan Tasyo and his family. Among the eerie villagers, Evelyn encounters a woman who warns of demons in their midst, but her claims are dismissed as the ramblings of a madwoman.

Amidst the turmoil, Pat is plagued by an unsettling feeling, urging her to escape. She forms an alliance with Dolfo, a mysterious young man whom the villagers suspect of malevolence. Pat's journey leads her to Dolfo's cave, where she tends to his wounds and learns of his tragic past, marred by the murderous Aswang that had annihilated his family. He survived the attack and remains in the forest, stalking the Aswangs, determined to wipe them out. The superstitious villagers hunt him. Pat is empathetic towards his story and urges him to run away. She appears to want to join him.

Meanwhile, Max and the search party, including Tasyo, venture into the forest, where they encounter a terrorized mad man who warns them of an Aswang killing his companions.

Within the village where Tasio’s wife and other women remain, strange occurrences intensifies, driving Pat's unease to new heights. She finds solace in her connection with Dolfo, even as the villagers ostracize him. As Pat delves deeper into Dolfo's past, she discoverers the gruesome truth about the aswang that has plagued the area every year at this time.

In a shocking revelation, Tasio and his hunting party come upon the cadaver remains of Lolo Pepe and realize the family they gave safe refuge to, are Aswangs. They rush back to save their women and children. At this point, Max and Roy transforms into their true nature and kill those who might harm their mother and sister. Roy is overpowered and killed by Tasio. Max avenges his father’s demise, slaughters and eats Tasio.

Pat, Max, and their parents are part of a secret clan of aswangs. Lolo Pete's demise was the result of a power struggle with Roy.

Dolfo also realizes Pat’s true nature and attempts to kill her but Max kills him. In the aftermath, the twins mourn their father.

At the village, Evelyn has sated herself, killing everyone, although Paloma is able to escape, though her whereabouts remain unknown.

A year later, the twins prepare for another annual trip to the province, this time accompanied by Roy's brother, as they continue to navigate their eerie and enigmatic legacy.

Cast

Enchong Dee at the Star Magic Tour, April 2011.jpg
Enchong Dee portrays Dolfo.
Julia Montes.jpg
Julia Montes portrays Pat.

Casting

After the film was submitted as an official entry to the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival, It was announced that Quantum Films cast Star Magic contract artists including Enchong Dee, Julia Montes and Enrique Gil for the lead roles. Other cast announced includes Janice De Belen, Cherie Pie Picache and Jaime Fabregas.

In October 2012, after the official teaser were released, JM De Guzman and Johnny Revilla were added to the cast.

Reception

Reviews and Critical reception

Mark Angelo Ching of PEP.ph notes that the film's plot twist is clever but otherwise limits how the film tells its story. [2] Phillip Cu Unjieng of ABSCBN News notes that the film is director Lawrence Fajardo's first attempt in working on a mainstream movie. As such, the film show's some "indie sense of gallows humor". [4]

The film was graded "B" by the Cinema Evaluation Board. [5]

Box office

The film opened at fifth spot out of the eight entries in the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, grossing with over ₱4.9 million and is behind Sisterakas (₱39.2 million), Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako (₱29.4 million), One More Try (₱13.2 million) and Shake, Rattle & Roll 14: The Invasion (₱10.6 million), which opened first until fourth places. [6]

Related Research Articles

<i>Mula sa Puso</i> 1997–1999 Philippine primetime romantic series

Mula sa Puso is a 1997 Philippine primetime melodrama romance television series originally aired by ABS-CBN from March 10, 1997 to April 9, 1999 and was replaced by Saan Ka Man Naroroon. Claudine Barretto, Rico Yan, and Diether Ocampo played the roles of the main protagonists in the series. It was re-aired in 2008 through Studio 23 and Kapamilya Channel, which are both ABS-CBN subsidiaries. A 2011 remake, starring Lauren Young, JM de Guzman and Enrique Gil, aired on ABS-CBN from March 28 to August 12, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ariel Rivera</span> Filipino singer, songwriter and actor (born 1966)

Jose Ariel Jimenez Rivera, professionally known as Ariel Rivera, is a Filipino singer, songwriter and actor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coco Martin</span> Filipino actor (born 1981)

Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno, known as Coco Martin, is a Filipino actor, director, producer and screenwriter. Known for his performances in action and romantic drama, he is one of the most awarded Filipino actors of the 21st century. His accolades include an ASEAN International Film Festival and Award, two FAMAS Awards, two Gawad Urian Awards, ten PMPC Star Awards for Television and eight Box Office Entertainment Awards. Martin's films have grossed ₱2.3 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing box office stars of all time. Tatler Asia named him one of the most influential Filipino personalities in Asia.

<i>Saan Ka Man Naroroon</i> Filipino TV series or program

Saan Ka Man Naroroon is a Philippine television series on ABS-CBN that ran from April 12, 1999 to March 23, 2001 replacing the 2-year run of Mula sa Puso and was replaced by Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan. It stars Claudine Barretto in the three contrasting roles of Rosario, Rosenda and Rosita or Rosemarie, triplets who were separated at birth. The series was popular throughout its run and also led to the rise of Barretto's acting career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauren Young</span> Filipino-American singer, actress, and model (born 1993)

Lauren Anne Talde Young is a Filipino-American singer, actress, and model. She is the younger sister of actress and Miss World 2013 Megan Young. She is currently an exclusive artist of GMA Network.

Michael Edward Gil Eigenmann, known professionally as Michael de Mesa, is a Filipino actor and director.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessy Mendiola</span> Filipino actress

Jessica Mendiola Tawile-Manzano, known by her screen name Jessy Mendiola, is a Filipino actress, model, endorser and presenter.

<i>!Oka Tokat</i> Philippine supernatural horror drama television series

!Oka Tokat is a Philippine supernatural horror drama television series which originally aired on ABS-CBN from June 24, 1997 to May 7, 2002 every Tuesday night, replacing Abangan ang Susunod Na Kabanata. It starred Agot Isidro alongside Ricky Davao, Carmina Villaroel, Alessandra De Rossi, Rica Peralejo, Diether Ocampo, Jericho Rosales, Angelika Dela Cruz, Marc Solis, Bojo Molina, Paolo Contis and later, Emman Abeleda, Shaina Magdayao, Alwyn Uytingco, Joy Chiong, and Jiro Manio on its reformat of the series. Its title is the reverse spelling of the phrase "Takot ako!" ; hence, the exclamation point at the beginning. Later on December 4, 2001, !Oka Tokat was reformatted as a comedy horror adventure series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enrique Gil</span> Filipino actor

Enrique Mari Bacay Gil V is a Filipino actor. Gil has appeared in various films and television shows such as Mula sa Puso, Budoy, Princess and I, Muling Buksan ang Puso and She's the One. He is best known for his role as Alexander "Xander" Grande III in the television series Forevermore in 2014–15, alongside Liza Soberano. Since then, he has starred in the films Just the Way You Are (2015), Everyday I Love You (2015), Dukot (2016), My Ex and Whys (2017), Seven Sundays (2017), and Alone/Together (2019); and the television series Dolce Amore (2016), Bagani (2018), and Make It With You (2020).

<i>Toda Max</i> Filipino TV series or program

Toda Max is a Philippine situational comedy series on ABS-CBN from November 5, 2011 to November 16, 2013. This series was starring with Robin Padilla, Pokwang, Angel Locsin, and Vhong Navarro. though due to 3 movie commitments, Padilla decided to leave the show in early of 2013 and hoped to come back after doing all his movies.

<i>The Reunion</i> (2012 film) 2012 Filipino film

The Reunion is a 2012 Filipino teen romantic comedy film directed by Frasco Mortiz and stars Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil, Kean Cipriano together with Julia Montes, Jessy Mendiola, Megan Young, Bangs Garcia, and Cristine Reyes. The film was released nationwide on August 15, 2012, by Star Cinema.

<i>Juan dela Cruz</i> (TV series) Filipino TV series or program

Juan dela Cruz is a 2013 Philippine superhero television series starring Coco Martin. The drama series is broadcast in full high definition and is dubbed to be ABS-CBN Studios' "most expensive and biggest drama" to date.

<i>Alyas Pogi: Birador ng Nueva Ecija</i> 1990 Filipino film

Alyas Pogi: Birador ng Nueva Ecija is a 1990 Filipino action film directed by Joey Del Rosario. It stars Bong Revilla as the titular character. The film is the first installment of the Alyas Pogi film series.

<i>Iyo ang Tondo, Kanya ang Cavite</i> 1986 action film starring Fernando Poe Jr., Ramon Revilla Sr.

Iyo ang Tondo, Kanya ang Cavite is a 1986 Filipino action film directed by Pablo Santiago and written by Agustin B. de la Cruz, starring Fernando Poe Jr. and Ramon Revilla.

Arrest: Pat. Rizal Alih – Zamboanga Massacre is a 1989 Filipino action film directed by comic book writer Carlo J. Caparas and written by Caparas and Tony Mortel. It stars Ramon Revilla as the titular patrolman, alongside Vilma Santos, Eddie Garcia, Marianne Dela Riva, Paquito Diaz, Raoul Aragonn, Baldo Marro, Charlie Davao, and Rosemarie Gil. Based on the Camp Cawa-Cawa siege in January 1989, the film was written and shot within the span of two months, receiving criticism from the chief of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who faulted it as "premature" and potentially inappropriate. Zamboanga Massacre was released by The Golden Lions Productions on March 8, 1989. Caparas considers Zamboanga Massacre to be among the films of which he is the proudest.

References

  1. "2012 MMFF grosses P79.06M on 2nd day". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 Ching, Mark Angelo (December 25, 2012). "MMFF REVIEW: The Strangers". PEP.ph. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  3. "Archived copy". Daily Tribune . Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. Unjieng, Phillip Cu (December 28, 2012). "Review: Bumps on the road for 'The Strangers'". ABSCBN News. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  5. Calderon, Nora (December 23, 2012). "Bwakaw at iba pang Asian films 'di nakalusot sa Oscars". Philstar.com (in Tagalog). Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  6. "2012 MMFF grosses P108.6M on 1st day". philstar.com.