‘Banal’ not your typical ‘jump scare’ horror film

The Philippines' mountainous forests have always been shrouded in mystery and are oftentimes the setting for famous folklore featuring diwatas, engkantos, curses, and enchantments. Many, too, are said about which are to be explored, and which should never be wandered upon.

The newest horror film, "Banal", starring Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Andrea Brillantes, Kim Last, and Taki, gives to the audience a slice of what could happen on the peak of the mountains: something demonic, grave, and unimaginable.

Although Banal is not your traditional jump scare-filled film, it does include several elements that proved effective in previous Filipino horror films, but of course, adds a twist to them.

For one, the film employs the typical "barkada" trope. Once the faces of the young actors appear on screen, you immediately have a feeling that everyone's going to die except for the leading lady.

The barkada consists of the archetypal characters: the rich boy, the "sossy" girl, the best friend, the leading lady, and the boy pining over the leading lady.

However, the dynamics within the barkada itself and the revelations that unfold throughout the film show that the group of friends that went up the mountain isn't your typical bunch afterall, and they will definitely never be the same again once they come down from the mountain.

The film also capitalizes on how Filipinos gravitate toward anything that reeks of "kababalaghan." The mountain itself is filled with strange things and as the barkada continues to explore what is on it, they'll also figure out that they're right in the middle of a curse ready to unfold, with them smacked right in the center.

"Banal" is sure to be remembered by its viewers if ever they get lost in the woods or the next time they set foot on a mountain.

The horror film is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Watch the trailer below:

— MDM, GMA News