In a total of 1hr and 54mins you'll end up in a weird plotless movie. Its back and fourth search for the truth is quite boring. You'll fail to pick a character you'd root for. The musical scoring is not well thought off it probably used a mono channel so you dont get to experience that creeping from left to right sound and you wont get to have that
tense feeling of a possible jump scare because you already know its coming. The back story of it all was poorly written. You'd get a far-fetched Amityville vibe. The characters we're okay but their stories weren't enough to get you to fully engage with the film like it lack motivation you wouldn't have strong feelings for them, you wouldn't care if evil or good wins. It wastes time as it progresses there could've been a better way to explain the plot but it just gives you flashbacks that arent useful at all, it confirms things but it doesn't explain the whole gist of whats actually going on. The make up was okay, placement of jump scares were decent. But the whole story is just, i cant even. To be honest I'd want to get back the time I've wasted watching this film.
26 Reviews
Confusing story
emonnn7 March 2021
Bleh
galvecarljan16 May 2019
Kwaresma is a Filipino horror movie. Has good cinematography, fair sound design, and tone. The actors/ actresses also did a great performance. It starts off promising. The starting scenes are very intriguing.
However, this movie is just very slow paced, and characters aren't well developed. A few flashbacks are given to fill up the characters' background. Although, characters lack interaction with each other and often times they just don't feel real. Dialogue is scarce and often neglected. Intentions of the antagonist is slowly revealed, but is rather uninteresting.
Most of the movie takes place inside a small two story house, and the movie at least does a great job at using its different corners to give a sense of a new setting.
The movie overuses jumpscares (most are very predictable), and scary silent dim scenes (with the same sound fxxx), instead of delving deeper into the characters themselves. The plot is a little held back. Some violent/expicit scenes weren't all that necessary.
The ending and the way the conflict was handled was forgettable and ungratifying.
However, this movie is just very slow paced, and characters aren't well developed. A few flashbacks are given to fill up the characters' background. Although, characters lack interaction with each other and often times they just don't feel real. Dialogue is scarce and often neglected. Intentions of the antagonist is slowly revealed, but is rather uninteresting.
Most of the movie takes place inside a small two story house, and the movie at least does a great job at using its different corners to give a sense of a new setting.
The movie overuses jumpscares (most are very predictable), and scary silent dim scenes (with the same sound fxxx), instead of delving deeper into the characters themselves. The plot is a little held back. Some violent/expicit scenes weren't all that necessary.
The ending and the way the conflict was handled was forgettable and ungratifying.
Typical Eric Matti movie---chaotic nonsense
mark_joel14 September 2019
The reviews here are obviously from paid pundits. There is nothing good about this movie. It's one of those typical pinoy horror movies that try real hard to be sublime and artistic, but fail at every aspect. No character development, nonsense plot, dismal execution and unsatisfying end.
2 hours of my life that I'm never getting back
alpotsino21 October 2019
When I saw previous reviews praising this movie, I asked myself if they really watched the same film I did. The first few minutes were intriguing but then you will soon realize that Kuwaresma is just one hot mess of a film that is trying too hard. The script is amateurish and most of the time, non-sensical. Stop treating your viewers like they are dumb and maybe movies like these will start becoming better.
Not very good movie😔
cielphantomhivekawai1 February 2020
Family (s)ticks together
kosmasp6 October 2023
No pun intended - the movie has some fine visual things to offer. But when it comes to the dialog and the story ... well that is a different story! Another pun you say? ... well maybe or rather probably! That said, the movie that I only could watch in its dubbed form (English or German for some reason - not the Philippino soundtrack that would be its original audio) ... maybe it makes as much or even less sense ... I gave this an extra point in case the other audio is actually better ... quality wise.
It seems quite confused - or it is able to confuse the viewer. I don't think it makes much sense - but it does bet all its money on the mood and vibe it does create. And that I would say works most of the time ... even if you think: another jumpscare? Maybe not the movie for you to watch then, I reckon - even if I agree that it feels cheap at times - again no pun intended. Let's not punish ourselves or others ... especially not family members ...
It seems quite confused - or it is able to confuse the viewer. I don't think it makes much sense - but it does bet all its money on the mood and vibe it does create. And that I would say works most of the time ... even if you think: another jumpscare? Maybe not the movie for you to watch then, I reckon - even if I agree that it feels cheap at times - again no pun intended. Let's not punish ourselves or others ... especially not family members ...
Dull
toyo_92525 September 2019
Patience is needed to watch this film with its slow pace of a story.
It's a mishmash of clichés "borrowed" from horror movies of the past.
The characters navigating areas of their home through secret pathways within the walls of their house is such a "People Under The Stairs" ripoff, particularly the scene involving the boy and the dog.
Dull and disappointing.
P.S.
The film is also quite dark, literally speaking, that you'll need to turn up the brightness of your TV screen or tablet.
Wasting my 2 hours
congthaino11 August 2020
I highly recommend everyone to choose another film if you don't want to wasting time like me. The film script is so terrible that make the film terrible too. I wasting my wonderful night with my brother to watch this film. What a disappointed film
International Level
alvintalavera16 May 2019
Worst horror movie I've seen so far.
nathan-7898330 June 2020
I can't even begin to express how horribly stupid this movie is. It's a total mess and the director must be a total moron. Everything about this movie is either cliche or totally idiotic. A five year old could do better. If this is Philippine cinema then it deserves to die or rather should not have existed at all. This movie is evidence enough that most writers and specially directors in the Philippines are idiots. I would rather watch sharknado or scary movie. Skip this movie for your own sake and sanity. In fact skip everything from this director all together.
Disappointing storyline
sinhsict16 October 2020
The essence of a good movie is foremost a good story and for a horror movie to hit the mark is for it to be scary... None of these elements are present in the movie. The way how the story runs is flatly disappointing...as if the movie was written by a prime grader...even the scripts aren't making hits most of the time.. it founded on a good start but gradually plunges to the ground until the end...but the actors are good, they were just misplaced in a wrong movie.
DON'T WASTE YOUR 2 HOURS WATCHING
vhinzvillanueva8 April 2020
DISAPOINTED
trinhcongthienno11 August 2020
PLEASE DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS
I felt very disapointed . First , the script was horible with the awful storyline . This film waste my night. However, It still have a good comment from Philipinos viewers. Now I know Philipinos has a terrible taste of watching horror film . Utimately , this is a fail of the worst.
Try Hard. Unoriginal. Predictable. Just Utter Non-sense.
kaiatsusaau7 February 2021
Was looking for a horror movie to watch so I randomly picked one on Netflix and played this movie. Seeing it's Erik Matti's was already a red flag for me but I gave it a chance. The start was already chaotic in terms of theme. But okay let's see it through.
Many dialogues in the script are just stupidly non-sensical. It's like it's more important to sound ominous than to make sense. After the second half of the movie it just became too boring and more chaotic.
From a director/writer who thinks he's the best, this movie is really boring. I even forgot it's supposed to be a horror film.
Many dialogues in the script are just stupidly non-sensical. It's like it's more important to sound ominous than to make sense. After the second half of the movie it just became too boring and more chaotic.
From a director/writer who thinks he's the best, this movie is really boring. I even forgot it's supposed to be a horror film.
Painful to watch
freedomwriter-1144221 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The beginning of the movie was actually pretty interesting until Luis is actually Luisa and was beaten half dead by his dad, then the rest of it became painful to watch as if the writer has ran out of idea. It was so bad that I don't understand where all the 10/10 reviews come from, are we rating the same movie here? This movie is confusing, poor plot and twist and easily is the worst horror movie I ever watch.
KUWARESMA: FILM REVIEW
danahontiveros19 May 2019
Kuwaresma is perhaps one of the most unique Filipino Horror Masterpiece ever made and has surely made its mark on the genre. To be honest, I felt like I was watching an International Horror Movie. Let me go into details and don't worry, no spoilers ahead. First of all - THE STORY. Story-wise, Kuwaresma is about a family haunted by their daughter Manuela and their dark and twisted past as a family living in an old house. At first, it was predictable. But when the twist came, it was truly the best Twist of any Filipino Horror Movie. It was on-point, disturbing, twisted and mind-blowing. The attack of the story is pretty creative & conventional. They invested much on classic horror tricks an for me, it was effective. Is it SCARY? Yes, it is and I must say it is spine-chilling & disturbing. If you are in for some screaming lead actors and actresses and a movie with heavily-pounded cheap jump-out scares, then KUWARESMA is not for you. Kuwaresma is film that will send creeps into your spine as they invested on new horror techniques along with brilliantly-executed prosthetic. The disturbing feels settles slowly as the story progresses and as it gets darker. The climax was truly evil to say the least. And the twist, DEYYYYM! I'm still thinking about it after some time. The movie gave a different kind of fear that is close to reality. A fear that can happen to anyone of us.
The exorcism scene was pretty dope and epic. The production design and set design is highly commendable too. Set in 1965 and 1985, the film is consistent and has truly invested in making the scenes apt to the Period. I am really amazed. From the house, way of living, casset tapes down to the outfit. Musical-scoring was really impressive. I loved the Introduction Scene by the way. Choices of Music were really great. Cinematography is also commendable. I loved how Erik Matti played with unconventional camera angles to create fear. The Color Grading was also perfect to attribute to the film's eerie and dark theme. The real strength of Kuwaresma lies on its actors and actresses. Sharon Cuneta delivered her best performance on her first ever Horror Film. She was just astonishing, effortlessly blending with the great actors in the film. John Arcilla deserves another acting award! He was so damn effective on his role. His Exorcism scene will truly be one in the books for sure. New-comer Kent Gonzales is surprisingly great too. Given the amount of screen time given to him, it felt like he was the lead in the movie. But, he was able to deliver at par with Arcilla & Cuneta. Pam Gonzaes (his sister in real life) was also impressive as the haunting spirit. Overall, Kuwaresma gave a new taste in the Pinoy Horror Genre with brilliant plot and a twist that will linger for a while. It may not be as scream-fest as Sukob and Feng Shui, but Kuwaresma will surely be one of your favorite Pinoy Horror Movies on yout list.
The exorcism scene was pretty dope and epic. The production design and set design is highly commendable too. Set in 1965 and 1985, the film is consistent and has truly invested in making the scenes apt to the Period. I am really amazed. From the house, way of living, casset tapes down to the outfit. Musical-scoring was really impressive. I loved the Introduction Scene by the way. Choices of Music were really great. Cinematography is also commendable. I loved how Erik Matti played with unconventional camera angles to create fear. The Color Grading was also perfect to attribute to the film's eerie and dark theme. The real strength of Kuwaresma lies on its actors and actresses. Sharon Cuneta delivered her best performance on her first ever Horror Film. She was just astonishing, effortlessly blending with the great actors in the film. John Arcilla deserves another acting award! He was so damn effective on his role. His Exorcism scene will truly be one in the books for sure. New-comer Kent Gonzales is surprisingly great too. Given the amount of screen time given to him, it felt like he was the lead in the movie. But, he was able to deliver at par with Arcilla & Cuneta. Pam Gonzaes (his sister in real life) was also impressive as the haunting spirit. Overall, Kuwaresma gave a new taste in the Pinoy Horror Genre with brilliant plot and a twist that will linger for a while. It may not be as scream-fest as Sukob and Feng Shui, but Kuwaresma will surely be one of your favorite Pinoy Horror Movies on yout list.
Something interesting for an insane person
clariceann25 October 2020
Totally lacking substance and everything that's good or even average for movie to have. 1 star would not justify how low this movie would rank in my opinion. I would give it a -10 if i could. This movie is a total waste of time, not worth anything. It should not even exist, the director and everyone responsible for this film deserves to be criminally charged. One of the worst movies I've ever seen. Anything from this director is garbage so no surprise there. This is the last time I'm watching a film from this director.
Beautiful-looking film but the plot didn't deliver
jpismyname29 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Ok, I dunno. I was liking the movie from the start until the middle. The story is set in Baguio City, the perfect place to set horror films because of the cold weather and often foggy weather. A young man in college goes home to Baguio when he finds out that his twin sister is dead. His parents won't tell him why, and he is about to find out. And the house is haunted, of course.
The characters are very well-acted by John Arcilla and Sharon Cuneta. The actor who played the main guy was also pretty good. Cinematography is also fantastic, the setting is beautifully haunting.
The story is where this movie fails. I mean, it was good at first until the middle. Some of the scenes were too long and boring, tbh. The story's tone (or whatever you call it) is also too serious for me. Cliche after cliche, I got bored. I also don't understand why it took the characters so much years to find out why the house is haunted and all that. I would understand if they just moved in like maybe a few months prior, but nope. They've been living there since the twins were kids. And what's with Sharon's character? I truly don't understand her character. Was she also possessed at some point? The lesbian twist was also totally bad, I mean seriously? What was the point of that?
I might recommend this on Halloween, or not. I dunno. Try it if you want.
The characters are very well-acted by John Arcilla and Sharon Cuneta. The actor who played the main guy was also pretty good. Cinematography is also fantastic, the setting is beautifully haunting.
The story is where this movie fails. I mean, it was good at first until the middle. Some of the scenes were too long and boring, tbh. The story's tone (or whatever you call it) is also too serious for me. Cliche after cliche, I got bored. I also don't understand why it took the characters so much years to find out why the house is haunted and all that. I would understand if they just moved in like maybe a few months prior, but nope. They've been living there since the twins were kids. And what's with Sharon's character? I truly don't understand her character. Was she also possessed at some point? The lesbian twist was also totally bad, I mean seriously? What was the point of that?
I might recommend this on Halloween, or not. I dunno. Try it if you want.
Way way better than any other Filipino Horror Movies
zlaey20 September 2019
First off, if you are a long-time all-around Horror movie devotee, you will find this "mediocre". Yes, if you will compare them to some of the other Asian horror films. However, this is marginally better than any other Filipino horror movies you've seen like the overhyped Eerie, and Aurora. This one has a very good cinematography. Good acting by sir John Arcilla, as always. Story is predictable and some scenes are, but the main plot will still surprise you. The pace is kinda slow developing into why the violence happens but it's still worth the wait.
I rated it high because i can see some potential with the Film scene in the Philippines. Can't wait to see better ones.
I rated it high because i can see some potential with the Film scene in the Philippines. Can't wait to see better ones.
'Kuwaresma' review: Clever as the devil and twice as pretty Is 'Kuwaresma' worth the watch? Oggs Cruz Published 7:57 PM, May 19, 2019 Updated 7:57 PM, May 19, 2019
danahontiveros19 May 2019
Think of Erik Matti's Kuwaresma as a well-dressed woman you chance upon at a fancy party.
She's dressed to the nines, with each piece of clothing probably costing an arm and a leg. She's out to astound, which makes you want to talk to her, uncover what mysteries lie beneath all the elegance. After a few hours of intense conversation, one thing is for sure: She's clever as the devil, twice as pretty, and more than just a little bit unhinged.
She's definitely got you hooked.
DISFAVORS SHORTCUTS
Kuwaresma is a film that disfavors shortcuts.
Think about it. The story of a young man (Kent Gonzalez) who returns home to his stern father (John Arcilla) and submissive mother (Sharon Cuneta) after his twin sister dies is not one that begs to be set several decades earlier. However, Matti and screenwriter Katski Flores pushes for the '80s, infusing the story with an opportunity for not just an eerily familiar yet time-trapped look but also thematic layers. Clearly, the film isn't just gunning for cheap scares and convenient shock tactics. The film just pleads to linger more than the dime-a-dozen horror flick.
Kuwaresma echoes Mike de Leon's Kisapmata in its depiction of the lopsided family unit, with the overbearingly dominant patriarch and the suspiciously too-quiet matriarch.
It wants this somewhat mundane and commonplace but ominously bizarre domestic setup to take prominence in delivering tension and suspense. While the film has ingeniously conceived scares peppered in the film, it works best when it twists what is supposed to be normal and skews what is supposed to be safe and comfortable. The film has quite a distorted mood rhythm. It is slow and somber but when it becomes crazy, it boldly bulldozes all the grace and restraint it plays around with to great effect.
By the time it ends, it bewilders more than it frightens, truly digging deeper than most films that endeavor to put to the fore the dread of familial dysfunction.
HANDSOMELY CRAFTED
What is most apparent with Kuwaresma than its divisive discourse on varying topics ranging from gender, politics, religion and basic morality is how handsomely crafted it is.
Neil Bion, who previously lensed the chaos that is the core of Matti's BuyBust, reveals an impressive range by having his camera gracefully wafting through the shadowy corridors of a rustic house. The effect is astonishing in the sense that the film has all the atmosphere it needs to execute its lofty endeavor of mining grotesquerie out of repressed secrets and other skeletons in the closet.
Then there is the haunting sound design that is aptly oppressive, making each and every perfectly curated frame and scene suspect.
THE PERFORMANCES ARE MOSTLY EXCELLENT
An excellent, Sharon Cuneta, perfectly blends into the background up until her character is required to take control. Kent Gonzalez is a fine protagonist, exuding all the confusion, resentment and ire that the film conjures out of thin yet sinister air. It is John Arcilla, however, that is the real showstopper here.
He takes his cue from Vic Silayan's performance in Kisapmata, maximizing the simmering and seething hate and bigotry that consumes his character to add to the horror.
NOT AN EASY FILM
Kuwaresma isn't an easy film.
It sends a myriad of messages, some of which may feel abhorrent depending mainly on perspective. This is all good. A fine horror film should never feel easy. It should disrupt and put the audience in a position of discomfort. It shouldn't be forgettable.
Matti's film is surely unforgettable. It sticks.
She's dressed to the nines, with each piece of clothing probably costing an arm and a leg. She's out to astound, which makes you want to talk to her, uncover what mysteries lie beneath all the elegance. After a few hours of intense conversation, one thing is for sure: She's clever as the devil, twice as pretty, and more than just a little bit unhinged.
She's definitely got you hooked.
DISFAVORS SHORTCUTS
Kuwaresma is a film that disfavors shortcuts.
Think about it. The story of a young man (Kent Gonzalez) who returns home to his stern father (John Arcilla) and submissive mother (Sharon Cuneta) after his twin sister dies is not one that begs to be set several decades earlier. However, Matti and screenwriter Katski Flores pushes for the '80s, infusing the story with an opportunity for not just an eerily familiar yet time-trapped look but also thematic layers. Clearly, the film isn't just gunning for cheap scares and convenient shock tactics. The film just pleads to linger more than the dime-a-dozen horror flick.
Kuwaresma echoes Mike de Leon's Kisapmata in its depiction of the lopsided family unit, with the overbearingly dominant patriarch and the suspiciously too-quiet matriarch.
It wants this somewhat mundane and commonplace but ominously bizarre domestic setup to take prominence in delivering tension and suspense. While the film has ingeniously conceived scares peppered in the film, it works best when it twists what is supposed to be normal and skews what is supposed to be safe and comfortable. The film has quite a distorted mood rhythm. It is slow and somber but when it becomes crazy, it boldly bulldozes all the grace and restraint it plays around with to great effect.
By the time it ends, it bewilders more than it frightens, truly digging deeper than most films that endeavor to put to the fore the dread of familial dysfunction.
HANDSOMELY CRAFTED
What is most apparent with Kuwaresma than its divisive discourse on varying topics ranging from gender, politics, religion and basic morality is how handsomely crafted it is.
Neil Bion, who previously lensed the chaos that is the core of Matti's BuyBust, reveals an impressive range by having his camera gracefully wafting through the shadowy corridors of a rustic house. The effect is astonishing in the sense that the film has all the atmosphere it needs to execute its lofty endeavor of mining grotesquerie out of repressed secrets and other skeletons in the closet.
Then there is the haunting sound design that is aptly oppressive, making each and every perfectly curated frame and scene suspect.
THE PERFORMANCES ARE MOSTLY EXCELLENT
An excellent, Sharon Cuneta, perfectly blends into the background up until her character is required to take control. Kent Gonzalez is a fine protagonist, exuding all the confusion, resentment and ire that the film conjures out of thin yet sinister air. It is John Arcilla, however, that is the real showstopper here.
He takes his cue from Vic Silayan's performance in Kisapmata, maximizing the simmering and seething hate and bigotry that consumes his character to add to the horror.
NOT AN EASY FILM
Kuwaresma isn't an easy film.
It sends a myriad of messages, some of which may feel abhorrent depending mainly on perspective. This is all good. A fine horror film should never feel easy. It should disrupt and put the audience in a position of discomfort. It shouldn't be forgettable.
Matti's film is surely unforgettable. It sticks.
Topnotch cinematography
stefftabalong20 April 2021
I don't get where all these bad reviews are coming from. The plot kind of reminds me of Amityville pero the cinematography and the pace, the story, the character development was GOOD!! Not to mention attention to detail since this was set sa past. I'm convinced the people that gave this a bad review only watches mga trashy soap opera shows na puro rwgs to riches na kabit or vice ganda-sotto comedy movies na walang substance.
Good horror movie
herma_gan23 March 2021
Love it
jblanco-7993223 September 2019
Superb
markchristian-4349630 May 2022
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