Espantaho translates to scarecrow which would be the mysterious entity that will haunt the characters with its mystical ways. The plot actually follows more on the tradition of the Pasiyam (nine-day novena for the dead) which what brought the characters together. The pinoy grieving and funeral culture did stand out as many traditions and customs were observed which can relate to the viewers. However, the plot got lost with the mix of the horror elements and the Pasiyam timeline.
You can observe that Chito S. Roño signature for his horror films, which I loved and made me look for easter eggs hidden, but being too familiar will also make you bored because of the predictability of the movie. The lore of the pestilence had potential to strike fear but felt short and it was also confusing that there is a lack of sadness and grief when the characters lost her children then shifts emotions like nothing happened. The movie screams Feng Shui and The Healing which I both love but feels like a copycat of those films.
The three leads, Judy Ann, Lorna, and Chanda were the soul of the story which they gave great performances. In which Judy Ann also won the Best Actress in a Leading Role award, which I can say is deserving but not enough to make me love the film. I think that it would have better to have it named Pasiyam, but there was already a movie of the same title back in 2004.
I see the potential of the story and the film if it was utilized better, we do love the charm of old school horror but even those have to level up to make a mark of its own. Also, with the changing taste and sophistication viewers have these days. This is what filmmakers must take into consideration especially for those commercially distributed, that they have to level up the movie or be left as cheap imitation of their previous work.
Produced by Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, and Purple Bunny Productions, Espantaho is now showing in PH Cinemas for the 2024 MMFF.
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