Aswang (2011 film)

Aswang is a 2011 Filipino action horror thriller film based on the Filipino mythical creature that is a shapeshifting monster usually possessing a combination of the traits of either a vampire, a ghoul, a witch, or different species.^[2] The film is directed and co-written by Jerrold Tarog. It stars Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino, Albie Casiño, Jillian Ward, Marc Abaya and Niña Jose. The movie is a remake of Peque Gallaga's 1992 film of the same name.^[3]

The film features a type of aswang called "Abwak". It can transform from human to a raven-like creature that could fly and move underground as it stalks its victim. The film received generally positive reviews from critics praising its cinematography and narrative.

Plot

The numbers of the Abuwak race (Aswang) has declined and the only way they can survive is through the rare ability that only the soon-to-be queen of the Abuwaks, Hasmin (Lovi Poe), possesses. Abuwaks look human in their normal state, but they can fly when they transform into raven-like birds. They can also burrow through earth.They are quick and strong, and they can attack and eat humans whether in complete darkness or broad daylight. Hasmin doesn’t like all of this, preferring to congregate with humans and even protecting them when her fellow creatures attack the village.

A hired killer named Daniel (Paulo Avelino) was forced into his disreputable trade as a youth. Like Hasmin, he doesn’t like killing the innocent, and this reluctance leads him to the abuwak lair, suggested to be somewhere in Pampanga..Along with two other killers, they travel to the village in pursuit of the two remaining members of a lawyer’s family that they massacred in Quezon City.^[4]

Cast

Main Cast

• Lovi Poe as Hasmin
• Paulo Avelino as Daniel
• Albie Casiño as Gabriel
• Jillian Ward as Ahnia

Supporting Cast

• Marc Abaya as Gido
• Niña Jose as Queenie
• Gigi Escalante as Old Guada
• Kalila Aguilos as Young Guada
• Joem Bascon as Efren
• Lara Quigaman as Stella
• Sue Ramirez as Young Stella
• Ana Vicente as Isabel
• Bembol Roco as Moises
• Nonie Buencamino as Eddie
• Roli Inocencio as Mang Carding

Additional Cast

• Ryan Idica as Bong
• Paul D. Villamor as Frankie Allan
• Miguel Ramirez as Ato
• Lani Tapia as Hilda
• Archie Adamos as Anton
• Emil Meily as Lito Arguelles
• Valerie Bondoc as Mrs. Arguelles
• Janna Tiangco as Mikaela
• Gerhard Acao as Ruel
• Jake Macapagal as Manuel

Reception

Box office

The film opened at 110 screens earning ₱22.9 million on its opening weekend.^[5] According to Box Office Mojo, The film reduced to 70 screens and earned ₱29 million on its second week of showing.^[6] The film earned ₱31 million on its whole theatrical run.^[7]

Critical Reception

Aswang received generally positive reviews from critics, praising its cinematography and its narrative. Aswell praising the performance of Lovi Poe.

Earl Villanueva from PEP states in his review that "Aswang is another proof of the Filipino movie industry’s excellence in the horror genre, which should really be the case since we have a rich source of materials in our myths and legends and we have great love affair with the paranormal and everything unexplained."^[8] Ria Limjap from Spot.ph gave a positive review saying that "This intelligent movie will compel the audience to think along with it—just as much as it will entertain, fascinate, and provide much needed escape." Phillip Cu-Unjieng from Philippine Star describe the film as "..heady, atmospheric foray into the folklore of aswangs and creatures that go bump in the night... and “road bump” in the fields."^[9]

Accolades

External links

• Aswang at the Internet Movie Database

References