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Word on the Street: Kuwaresma Is the Must-See Movie in May
Amid family fun movies, superhero flicks and modern renditions of animated classics, there will always be that one film at the cinema to disrupt the setting and give moviegoers something else to talk about. This season, it’s Kuwaresma.
Directed by the revered Erik Matti (On the Job, Honor Thy Father and BuyBust), Kuwaresma presents a different take on the family drama. The film ties its family story into the Lenten event upon which its title is based: effectively utilizing prayer, repentance and the sacrifice that comes with making up for sins committed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. “From the very beginning we were thinking of doing something dramatic,” said Matti on premiere night. “We wanted a fun ride for the audience.”
RELATED: 5 Movies We Can’t Wait to See in May 2019
In his collaboration with Reality Entertainment and Globe Studios, Matti slowly uncovers truths about the Fajardo family, the centerpiece of his latest crowning achievement, without holding back on any twists or turns.
Kuwaresma begins with Luis Fajardo (Kent Gonzales), a young man away at university who is suddenly summoned back to his hometown. Terrible news has struck the family: Manuela (Pam Gonzales), his twin sister, has unexpectedly passed away. Back home, he is welcomed into his old family house by his parents, the stern Arturo (John Arcilla) and the genial Rebecca (Sharon Cuneta), who remain tight-lipped about the tragedy for some reason. A time of mourning soon turns into a series of hauntings, leaving Luis no choice but to investigate the bewildering death of his sister himself. As he perseveres to unlock the mystery, he realizes: something unearthly is at play here. Luis eventually comes face-to-face with the malevolent history of their house and only unravels suppressed memories from his dark past.
Jaw-dropping, unpredictable and perfectly twisted: this is storytelling made even more exceptional by Matti’s band of actors, next-level visuals and world-class musical score of Kuwaresma. And the verdict by those who have flocked to cinemas to see it is in:
More than a horror film, #Kuwaresma was also a psychological thriller. I don't think I have ever watched a filipino film under this genre that was THAT scary. Loved also the story and the visuals. This is the kind that can compete with the likes of The Conjuring and Insidious
— Dahniel (@ddcd07) May 15, 2019
Reasons to watch Kuwaresma by Erik Matti!
— The One and Omle (@Omle19) May 15, 2019
•Content: It's not purely made up of horror stuff and jumpscares. It tells a story, the family-oriented (ness)
Filipino and how Catholicism affected it.
•Cinematography: Lighting and shots are amazing! The photography was also great!
Kuwaresma just set the Philippine Horror Movies Standard on point! It makes you YELL from beginning to end! One thing to say, YOUR FAITH AND YOUR LOVE IS NOTHING COMPARED TO YOUR WEAKNESS! It’s a MUST-WATCH! 10/10 👏 #Kuwaresma pic.twitter.com/ssGOnDsg8P
— Jhon Paulie 🐷 (@itspaulie8) May 16, 2019
#Kuwaresma is by far my top Pinoy horror film. Perfect casting. Excellent story. Ito yung horror na kahit sa pagbitaw pa lang ng linya, manghihina ka na.
— Mark Moneda (@maarkmyword) May 15, 2019
But. If you're not sure about your faith, I think this movie is not for you. But if you insist, pray before you watch.
Excellent performance @sharon_cuneta12 and John Arcilla. Haunting musical score and top notch production design. Bravo Direk Eric Matti for good execution. #Kuwaresma
— Kerwin (@KerwinMacopia) May 15, 2019
Watched #KuwaresmaMovie today and, for someone who can predict movie plots, I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely a movie to watch again and again!
— 🏹 PALASO 🏹 ;; yunis ;; Komiket South 2019 (@koronelmagnet) May 9, 2019
Kuwaresma is on theaters May 15. Catch it then, guys! Swear it's really worth the watch! pic.twitter.com/77Zki4UsFq
You know it’s an @ErikMatti’s film if it plays with symbolism and satire. “Kuwaresma” gives us just that. It’s more than just a horror movie.
— Ahmad Domado (@ahmaddomado) May 15, 2019
Erik Matti delivers yet another great film through his latest horror thriller #Kuwaresma w/ convincing performances from Sharon Cuneta, John Arcilla & newbie Kent Gonzales. The story was built up well complemented by good camerawork. Excellent messaging, too. Totes recommend!
— Rodmar Neo Eda (@RodmarNeoEda) May 15, 2019
From the epic pairing of John Arcilla and the one and only mega star Sharon Cuneta to the stellar performances of up-and-comers Kent and Pam Gonzales, Kuwaresma truly is proving to be the must-see movie in May and a fantastic reason to rally behind the local film industry.
RELATED: A Behind-The-Scenes Look at Kuwaresma
‘Kuwaresma’ starring Sharon Cuneta and John Arcilla is now showing in both R-13 and R-16 cuts nationwide (see the full list of participating cinemas here). Get inside—not in line—to see it with GMovies, the app that allows you to book seats and buy movie tickets in minutes. Download the GMovies app on the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices or click here to buy movie tickets online through the GMovies website.
