- It’s not everyday that we encounter a well made genre film.
- “Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah dela Cruz” is not just a horror movie but a dark chiller that suggests that evil lurks if we allow them to win over us.
- It’s a story about exorcism.
- This is the center of the story for the latest horror-suspense-thriller movie featuring Sarah Lahbati, Shy Carlos and Julian Trono.
- It’s by no means a perfect film and although not nearly on par with the ones made by Hollywood, but it’s still a quality horror movie with some really solid scares.
“Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah dela Cruz” marks as an acting vehicle for artists like Sarah Lahbati who essays the role of the investigator and Shy Carlos who plays the title role.
Depending on your tastes, exorcism movies like “Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah dela Cruz” can be one of the most terrifying of all the Filipino made horror subgenres. When done right, they combine the psychological chills of the unseen and unexplained with the visceral delights of jump scares (those scary images that jump out from nowhere) and genuinely gross and grotesque imagery and effects.
The film differs from a lot of other exorcism fare in that it largely takes the form of a cop drama with decidedly creepy elements. For no apparent reason, Leah dela Cruz (Shy Carlos) jumps out from the second floor of her home. She was found on her balcony with blood all around her by chief inspector Ruth (played by Sarah Lahbati) and Leah’s friend (Julian Trono). After the said incident, strange things started to happen.
Shy, in her first major film role, is a revelation, displaying leering evil and a wonderfully disturbing ability to contort her body (through digital help, of course). The prosthetic makeup used was also impressive. And then there’s the wild, unexpected ending masterfully woven by Viva Films, Reality Entertainment and Kamikaze Pictures under the direction of Katski Flores.
Sarah also effectively portrayed her role. She exudes determination in her investigation to know the reason behind Leah’s suicide. Her eyes speak a thousand words in some of the scenes. Julian Trono also deserves to be commended too. He had shown some depth on his acting. If given the right project, Julian might soon become one of the most sought-after actors in the future.
Overall, you get some solid jump scares, intense family drama, atmospheric creepiness and the requisite preternatural intensity of possession.
Catch “Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah dela Cruz” in theatres near you!
