Movie spotlight
Tiyanaks
Against the advice of a concerned mythology professor, a group of school friends decide to take an out of town trip during the holy week. When they first leave on their vacation, Shiela, Rina, Christian, Kerwin and their friends believe they have made a good decision. Everyone is happy and excited about their upcoming adventure. But soon, the mood starts to change. Shiela begins having dreams and premonitions about an evil presence somehow related to young children. She sees images of an old woman that terrifies her. Troubling, frightening events seems to multiply around them. The friends soon begin to believe that one of them may be the source of the evil that is plaguing them. Will one of friends have to sacrifice themselves in order to protect the others?
Insights
Plot Summary
In a remote village, a pregnant woman is warned against looking at a cursed creature, the Tiyanak. Despite the warnings, she succumbs to curiosity, leading to a terrifying consequence. The film follows the subsequent events as the Tiyanak wreaks havoc, forcing the villagers to confront the supernatural horror that has befallen them.
Critical Reception
Tiyanaks received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its effective use of suspense and genuine scares, characteristic of Filipino horror films. Some noted that while the premise is familiar within the genre, the execution by director Peque Gallaga offered a fresh take. The performances, particularly Eugene Domingo's, were highlighted as a strong point.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its atmospheric tension and effective jump scares.
Eugene Domingo's performance was a standout, adding depth and dark humor.
The film successfully tapped into Filipino folklore for its horror elements.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings for 'Tiyanaks' (2007) is not readily available in public databases.
Fun Fact
The Tiyanak is a creature from Filipino folklore, often described as a vampiric creature that mimics the cry of a baby to lure unsuspecting victims.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources