ECHORSIS (2016) Review
Directed by Lem Lorca
Dubbed as Sabunutan between good and evil, Echorsis is written by Jerry Gracio (Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me) and directed by Lemuel Lorca (Ned’s Project, Water Lemon). Inspired by the classic horror film ‘The Exorcist,’ or was it?
Echorsis is fun for what it is. The film can be split into two parts: one, a romantic comedy film, two, a horror-romance-comedy film. We hardly get this kind of film in Philippine cinema and one should think that it doesn’t work well always. But for Echorsis, some of it does. The cast are perfect for their roles, even Alex Medina surprises by embracing the character too well that every shocking thing he does on screen really do shock. John Lapus, ever efficient in these type of gay roles manages to pull off a straight guy for a short time and Kean Cipriano might actually be a closet gay for all we know (of course, he isn’t).
The story feels longer than it should be, telling two intertwined stories does make it an obvious reason for being that long but some of it even the jokes just feels prolonged. But you get to see two stories in one movie, that’s either a good thing or a bad thing, depends if the stories please you. But you get to see these actors, which aren’t seen as big actors but are very talented. And the film offers something new to the Filipino audience, something we could also see in the future if we keep supporting films that aren’t from big production companies.
Echorsis is one hell of a ride, and a weird one. But it didn’t fully embraced the possibilities it presents for a more hilarious experience. The potential is evident in the story and with the actors but maybe trying to market it for the mass made it a little more than it needed in terms of story but less than needed in terms of substance. The film is fun for what it is, it’s just wasn’t as fun as it could be.
2.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Echorsis” opens April 13, 2016 in Philippine cinemas nationwide, distributed by Quantum Films. Rated R-13 by the MTRCB.