A new maid is hired to do random chores around a residence in the Philippines. She is not familiar with the local customs, and learns that she has begun working during the month reserved for dead spirits to be honored. Innocently disturbing one of the ghosts, she begins to learn of a terrifying secret.
The cover of this movie compared it to "Sixth Sense" and "The Grudge", which I think does this film a terrible disservice. Yes, there are aspects of "The Sixth Sense" (seeing ghosts) and I can understand the "Grudge" similarities, to a point. But I don't think a viewer should think of this movie in terms of these other films because there is something unique here that really allows it to stand out from other Asian horror films.
The lead character is interesting because she is both trying to solve a mystery and is herself a mystery: what does the ghost want from her? But also, why has she been summoned to be the maid for this new family (if you're like me, you'll quickly discover she never has to clean anything or watch any children). They're both interesting questions, and I think the viewer will like how they play out -- hints are dropped along the way, but I don't think you'll catch them all on the first watch.
What might be a drawback for the film is the use of loud noises to startle the audience (doors creaking and such) and a few times where a ghost jumps into the frame completely unexpectedly. In some ways this was a cheap trick to get a scare out of the audience, but as someone who doesn't scare easily (I've seen more horror films already this year than you'll probably ever see in your life) I have to admit I was a bit jumpy and had to grip the blanket a little tighter.
A strength of the film was the creator's obvious awareness that Americans (and other non-Filipinos) would be watching this. The religious observances are explained in a way that is understandable but doesn't treat the viewer like a child or an idiot. I have no idea if the holiday observed here is real, but even if it's not I was convinced. The culture is very well captured.
Give this one a chance -- I found it to be so much more than I expected. After I was starting to think all Asian horror followed such similar patterns (which is not to say American horror doesn't), this was so refreshing. Solid plot, great characters... and a puzzle piece ending that will leave you feeling this one comes complete.
The cover of this movie compared it to "Sixth Sense" and "The Grudge", which I think does this film a terrible disservice. Yes, there are aspects of "The Sixth Sense" (seeing ghosts) and I can understand the "Grudge" similarities, to a point. But I don't think a viewer should think of this movie in terms of these other films because there is something unique here that really allows it to stand out from other Asian horror films.
The lead character is interesting because she is both trying to solve a mystery and is herself a mystery: what does the ghost want from her? But also, why has she been summoned to be the maid for this new family (if you're like me, you'll quickly discover she never has to clean anything or watch any children). They're both interesting questions, and I think the viewer will like how they play out -- hints are dropped along the way, but I don't think you'll catch them all on the first watch.
What might be a drawback for the film is the use of loud noises to startle the audience (doors creaking and such) and a few times where a ghost jumps into the frame completely unexpectedly. In some ways this was a cheap trick to get a scare out of the audience, but as someone who doesn't scare easily (I've seen more horror films already this year than you'll probably ever see in your life) I have to admit I was a bit jumpy and had to grip the blanket a little tighter.
A strength of the film was the creator's obvious awareness that Americans (and other non-Filipinos) would be watching this. The religious observances are explained in a way that is understandable but doesn't treat the viewer like a child or an idiot. I have no idea if the holiday observed here is real, but even if it's not I was convinced. The culture is very well captured.
Give this one a chance -- I found it to be so much more than I expected. After I was starting to think all Asian horror followed such similar patterns (which is not to say American horror doesn't), this was so refreshing. Solid plot, great characters... and a puzzle piece ending that will leave you feeling this one comes complete.