‘Mallari’ Review: A triumph in Philippine horror

MALLARI (2023) Review
Directed by Derick Cabrido

Let me start with how high the expectations are for this film because of its ambitious story and Warner Bros. Pictures entering the picture to distribute the film. And to answer the high expectations on the film, yes, ‘Mallari’ gets to meet those expectations and maybe even exceeds them.

The technical aspects in ‘Mallari’ will leave you in awe. A Filipino movie horror movie that can be at par with the works of Indonesian horror master Joko Anwar (Satan’s Slaves franchise, Impetigore) that’s been celebrated around the world. And seeing the Warner Bros. Pictures intro at the start of the film, with a musical score that’s like in James Wan’s The Conjuring makes you feel like this is going to be something great. And I’m so happy that the film delivered.

From a far, ‘Mallari’ is a horror film, and it is. It has all the elements of a good horror movie – mystery, supernatural, jump scares and a well-executed twist.

Everything worked so well. And everything looked like the production was really conscious of how the end product would look. ‘Mallari’ is a triumph in Philippine horror. Not just because it’s big budgeted, not just because Warner Bros. Pictures is part of it, but because this is a multi-layered, complex and well-made film.

The scares worked. The story, even if it was a bit out of the ordinary and has time-travelling elements in it, it worked. This is a horror film that you can really enjoy and at the same time, make you think with its mystery elements.

Director Derick Cabrido navigates the film with finesse. Having a complex plot but still being able to tell its story clearly and without the need to go overboard is impressive.

Piolo Pascual delivered. Doing not just one or two roles in this film may seem a bit over-the-top and can make you worry if it will work but it did. You can actually differentiate which character Piolo is portraying. Whether he needs to be dramatic, horrific or romantic, Piolo provided the right emotions needed in the scenes.

‘Mallari’ is a film that you put your money and time into. It’s worthy of your attention and it will make you proud that this is Filipino made.

4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS

‘Mallari’opens in Philippine cinemas on December 25, 2023 from Mentorque Productions in cooperation with Clever Minds, Inc. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines. Rated R-13 by the MTRCB.