Score: 3.78
10 Ratings
Genre: Drama, Horror
Synopsis: The horrific story of Fr. Severino Mallari, a 19th century priest during the Spanish occupation and his descent into madness. It recounts Mallari’s life where he reportedly murdered 57 people to aid his ailing mother.
Director: Roderick Cabrido
Writer: Enrico Santos
Cast: Piolo Pascual, JC Santos, Gloria Diaz, Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson, Geraldine Villamil, Vangie Labalan, Audrey Alquiroz, Raffy Tejada, Bart Guingona, Tommy Alejandrino, Angeli Nicole Sanoy, Angie Castrence, Erlinda Villalobos, Mylene Dizon, Ron Angeles, Chrome Prince Cosio, Lao Rodriguez, James Fajardo
Reviews/Notes:
“Its dark high-concept story, glossy production value. s, startling jump scare moments, and creepy edgy atmosphere, prime “Mallari” for both box-office success and critical acclaim. JC Santos stands a good chance to nab supporting actor citations for his efforts.” (Read more)
– Fred Hawson, Fred Said (4.5/5)“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..” (Read more)
– Nazamel Tabares, Pelikula Mania (4.5/5)“It’s funny that the whole point of the film had an underlying message that is extremely familiar in the recent and current political climate in the Philippines. The characters are represented by people, factions, and the entire nation. It’s a sight for social media and fantasy for the optimist.” (Read more)
– Jay-R Trinidad (4.5/5)“Mallari is flawed but still largely admirable for its blend of folk mysticism and religious fervor, which are elements of Filipino culture that have fueled some of the best local horror films. Time will tell if the film will be regarded as one of the greats of the genre. (Perhaps we can ask one of the Mallaris to tell us?)” (Read more)
– Ron Cruz (4/5)“Mallari is one of my favorite films in this year’s festival, if only for its sprawling ambition and how it manages to meet that ambition in many parts. A mix of alternate history fiction, fantasy and horror, Mallari brings us a singular MMFF experience that has probably never been seen in any previous edition of the festival, and will be unmatched for years to come.” (Read more)
– John Tawasil, Present Confusion (3.75/5)“The film could have done more in terms of VFX. Its score could have been tempered for a more dramatic effect, but despite what the film lacks, it achieves something remarkable for the genre. Enrico Santos wrote a screenplay that weaves an interesting mix of the horror and the time-travel narrative.” (Read more)
– Den Lebantino (3.5/5)