The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) hasn’t even started, but one of its entries is already gaining attention abroad. Following its world premiere at the first International Film Festival and Awards Macao, Erik Matti’s Seklusyon has already earned praises from The Hollywood Reporter, a respected industry publication.
According to critic Clarence Tsui, “Set mostly within the confines of a rickety house in the middle of nowhere, the film provides chilling bursts of outright shock and sepia-tinged, creepy atmospherics. Unflinching in its darkness, it spirals toward an all-out horrifying climax.”
Tsui even compares it to the 1976 classic The Omen.
Seklusyon is set in 1947, and follows as four deacons who must live in seclusion before becoming priests. This test is done to see if they can resist the devil’s tricks. Along the way, they meet a young girl with healing powers, and her guardian, a mysterious nun.
The film stars Ronnie Alonte, Dominic Roque, John Vic de Guzman, J.R. Versales, Rhed Bustamante, and Phoebe Walker.
Seklusyon is the only Filipino film in the Hidden Dragon category of the festival, which celebrates the latest trends in contemporary Asian cinema. It is also the lone horror entry in the annual MMFF.
Matti also directed the blockbuster hits On the Job and Honor Thy Father.
Watch the trailer of Seklusyon below:
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