REVIEW: Mallari - Let Loose the Serial Killer!

I feel that Pinoy horror and thrillers are making a comeback in Philippine cinema, and for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 we actually have two, one is Kampon and the other one is MALLARI which stars Piolo Pascual. This movie is made by  Mentorque Productions, and for a first in a very long time will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

From the title Mallari, it is a different take about the notorious first recorded Filipino serial killer who is also a parish priest, Severino Mallari. Though it does not take place exclusively on the original time period. For this movie Piolo Pascual will take on three characters in different time periods all leading to the same family and the secrets that they hold.

Along with the serial killings made by Padre Severino Mallari, there is also an element of the Pinoy mystic creatures and witchcraft which also adds to the complexities of his character. Actually the mystic elements to the film overtook the grim reality of the serial killings which the story is primarily about. Though if you would look at the accounts of the killings of Mallari, the motivations for the killings were more of getting rid of the scums of the earth or which is like acting like a vigilante in the night.