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Critique Paper 2 - Movie Review
Critique Paper 2 - Movie Review
Heading
Vergara, Jannie Leila N.
Seklusyon
Erik Matti
Horror Thriller
II. Introduction
Seklusyon is a period horror film set in the 1940’s that follows the story a deacon
named MIGUEL (Ronnie Alonte) along with three other deacons (Dominic Roque, John
Vid De Guzman and JR Versales) who just started the practice of SEKLUSYON
(seclusion), an old ritual done by the Catholic church where aspiring priests are sent in a
secluded area on the last seven days of their training to test their wills and shield them
also from the evils of the world.
It is said the Devil’s temptation is the greatest during the final days of the
deaconate before one is ordained as a Priest. And this is the premise of the whole story as
well as their uncanny connection with a young girl named ANGHELA or NGAHELA
(Rhed Bustamante) who is said to have the power to heal and her mysterious nun
guardian SR. CECILIA (Phoebe Walker).
It is directed by a veteran director, Erik Matti who has had several hit movies
under his belt.
From the initial feedback of early viewers, it delivers a higher level of horror you
would expect from the film series. It is guaranteed to get audiences screaming.
As for Seklusyon, I only wished for more build-up on the characters of Angela,
Sr. Cecilia and Miguel (that would have made this film phenomenal). I also wished that
the revelation of the real identity of Anghela could have been made much later in the film
(as in the last 5 or 10 minutes) since I have already become so attached with the character
of Sr. Cecilia as the “you know who” in the story – that could’ve been very scary. The
manner of revelation could have been more climactic as well.
However, the over-all production value of the film – from the musical score and
cinematography – makes it one of the most thought-off local horror film.
Yes, there were some flaws in the film, but compared to the other local horror
flicks that I’ve watched – this one is something worth having as part of anyone’s movie
library.
VI. Conclusion
Seklusyon does not rely on special effects or suggestive screenplay and musical
score to make us scare but works on the plot of the characters and ambience of the film
that will make you believe that there is an evil on it. Production value at its best from
editing, production design, cinematography and musical scoring. All of it blend together
with a unique story line to thrilled us and give this quality horror film that we don't
usually see on our local films. A good catch to watch this Christmas.
I know that traditionally, MMFF is something for the whole family and the good
horror films are usually shown around the Undas. But if you’re looking for a scare this
Christmas, Seklusyon is the only horror movie available and I’m only thankful that it’s a
good one.
It’s a good movie to watch with a large group of friends for the teasing and
whatnot. Good acting, great horror scenes, and an organized story is sure to keep you
hooked with eyes wide open.
I give it a score of 8, and I hope the other films in this year’s MMFF lineup will
be around the same rating.
REFERENCES:
http://www.psst.ph/seklusyon-sneak-peek/
http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/review-seklusyon-depicts-evil-in-most-charming-
form/