KUWARESMA (2019) Review
Directed by Erik Matti
Dubbed as the scariest horror movie of acclaimed director Erik Matti, ‘Kuwaresma’ delivers a chilling family story with remarkable performances from John Arcilla and Sharon Cuneta.
The story is a bit familiar, an evil that lurks inside the house and affects the family. But there is something uncanny as to how the film looks, especially how John Arcilla’s. You get typical but effective jump scares here and there but it kinda feel different here. Whenever a scare happens, you want to run back or jump to your seats because it feels as though the scares are coming for you, coming to you.
But more than a horror movie, ‘Kuwaresma’ is an acting piece. We’ve seen John Arcilla in Heneral Luna being a great actor that he is. But here, like what Sharon said during the media conference, John personifies the devil himself. He’s scary. Scary that I wouldn’t probably approach him if I see him anytime soon.
And then after being awed by John Arcilla’s performance, it’s Sharon Cuneta’s time. This movie really made my jaw drop more than I can remember. Sharon transforms from being the quiet wife to the protective wife and mother. You could see in her eyes how much she would sacrifice for her family. It was really a hair-raising moment.
Erik Matti has done it again. I’m not sure if I liked this one better than Seklusyon but this definitely had more fright and oomph for me.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Kuwaresma’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide from Reality Entertainment and Globe Stuidos. Rated R-13 and R-16 by the MTRCB.