‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’ stands out as one of the more compelling found-footage horror films in recent local cinema.
This Philippine adaptation of ‘Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum’ brings a fresh perspective to a genre that often feels oversaturated, offering a suspenseful and genuinely eerie viewing experience.
While the found-footage trope has become a cliche in the horror genre, ‘Strange Frequencies’ manages to break away from its usual pitfalls. The film’s strength lies in its ability to establish a genuine connection between the audience and the characters.
As a group of Filipino content creators and celebrities explore the abandoned Xinglin Hospital in Taiwan, they encounter a host of unsettling paranormal occurrences. The dynamic among the cast and their distinct personalities add depth to the story, making it more than just another disposable scare-fest.
The film avoids the typical pattern of one-dimensional characters, which makes the experience more involving and genuinely unsettling.
The use of GoPro cameras, worn by the characters and set up around the hospital, creates a claustrophobic and deeply immersive atmosphere. The film’s set design team deserves particular praise for crafting a realistic recreation of the abandoned hospital, complete with dark hallways and eerie, pitch-black rooms.
The sound design adds another layer of tension, with subtle whispers and unsettling noises reverberating through the space, heightening the suspense. The combination of a realistic setting and carefully orchestrated scares makes the film a genuinely frightening experience, not just a series of jump scares.
Despite its reliance on the familiar found-footage format, ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’ succeeds in delivering a satisfying resolution. Unlike other found-footage films that often end with an ambiguous, frustratingly open-ended climax, this film provides some level of closure. While it remains bleak and unsettling, there’s a sense that justice has been served in some way, leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction rather than annoyance.
Strong Performances. The performances elevate the film beyond its genre expectations. Rob Gomez and Alexa Miro bring authenticity to their roles, playing exaggerated versions of themselves in a way that feels natural and believable. Their genuine rapport, combined with the interactions between MJ Lastimosa and Raf Pineda, provide moments of relief amidst the terror, with a healthy dose of humor that helps break the tension.
Jane de Leon and Enrique Gil deliver intense performances, capturing the fear and exhaustion that defines their ordeal. Although Zarckaroo’s role feels a bit underdeveloped, the rest of the cast more than compensates for any shortcomings.
LionhearTV’s verdict. ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’ proves to be a standout entry in the found-footage horror genre. With strong performances, an authentic atmosphere, and well-crafted scares, it’s an intense and unsettling film that will leave a lasting impression.
It’s an excellent choice for horror fans looking for a genuinely chilling experience, one that defies the usual tropes and delivers an engaging and memorable story.
Rating: ★★★★☆
If you’re a fan of found-footage horror, ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’ is a must-watch, especially if you want a horror film that’s genuinely frightening and filled with tension. Just make sure to watch it at night—because the dark spaces and shadows will make the terror all the more real!
