The White Lady haunting provincial roads, the toilet bowl monster Undin in Shake, Rattle & Roll III, the relentless Lotus Feet in Feng Shui, and the horrifying monster from the LRT episode of Shake, Rattle & Roll 8—Philippine horror has given us plenty of nightmare fuel over the years. We know these iconic entities by heart, and we know the immediate danger of crossing paths with them.
Now, director Adolfo Alix Jr. is adding a terrifying new icon to that hall of fame in his long-awaited horror-drama, Poon.
At the heart of the film’s terror is a sinister supernatural force bound to a mysterious wooden relic: the 13th Apostle—a spare statue meant to replace any of the twelve apostles missing during a local Holy Week procession. Silent, cold, and deeply unsettling, this poon stands out as one of the most terrifying entities brought to the big screen in recent memory.
I was covering my ears (for lesser impact on horror scenes) and braving myself whenever I know the poon will appear. It was uncomfortable and really terrifying to see.
The nightmare begins during Holy Week when the suspicious death of a family patriarch forces three estranged granddaughters back to their ancestral home. The reunion quickly turns sour as old rivalries flare up between a resentful caregiver, a scheming cult leader’s wife, and a naive balikbayan. But as their family drama boils over, the entity attached to the 13th Apostle awakens.
targeting the youngest great-granddaughter, Faye, the entity uses her as a vessel to drag the family’s darkest secrets into the light—uncovering years of abuse, infidelity, and betrayal. As it turns out, the wooden saints standing quietly around the ancestral house have witnessed every single sin committed under its roof. To survive, the family must uncover the truth behind the patriarch’s death, facing a reality far more horrifying than a standard haunt.
Three years in the making, Poon also carries a heavy emotional weight. It features the final on-screen performances of two Philippine cinema icons: the late Ronaldo Valdez and Cannes Best Actress Jaclyn Jose. Though both passed away before the film’s release, their presence on screen remains as powerful as ever.
The film boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Janice De Belen, Lotlot De Leon, Ara Mina, Allen Dizon, Martin del Rosario, Kelvin Miranda, Will Ashley, Althea Ablan, JC De Vera, and veteran actress Ms. Gina Pareño.
Blending religious dread with deep-seated family trauma, Poon introduces a haunting entity that will make you look twice at every sacred statue long after the credits roll.
Poon opens in cinemas September 9, 2026 from Banana Entertainment and C-Frame Production.
Watch the trailer below:
And watch the Poon talk back below: