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As film buffs, we truly have been spoiled for choice during the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival, with its selection of movies whose quality ranges from noteworthy to absolute masterpieces. One can say that everyone involved actually brought their “A” game to this cinematic showdown. Sadly, it seemed like a couple of movies got lost in the mix in this battle of heavyweights; not to say that they lacked effort or heart. However, it’s a known fact that the MMFF is a clash of titans, pitting publicity and marketing warchests against each other.
"Kampon, woefully, is one of the Davids in this skirmish of Goliaths."
Did the movie earn its place in the Film Festival or was its slot better off given to another potential smash hit instead?
The film stars Derek Ramsay and Beauty Gonzales as Clark and Eileen, a married couple trying hard to have a child together. After years of fruitless attempts, their lives are suddenly turned upside down when a child appears on their doorstep claiming to be Clark's daughter. Soon, unexplainable things start happening in their household; are they just coincidences, or is this the work of Clark’s “child”?
As Cinegeeks, we’ll always stand by one of our credos: “Horror movies are simple things.” In a previous review of another film, we pointed out that the most effective horror movies are those with the simplest of conceits - have your protagonist face off against an unspeakable evil force and make the walls close in around them. The film must derive its thrills and chills from the weight of the paranoia and hopelessness that your lead character is under. Where most films in this genre crumble because of the weight of their narrative baggage,
"Kampon finds strength in being lean and direct to the point with the terrors it unleashes on its audience."
The screenplay by Dodo Dayao from a story by director King Palisoc has interesting ideas in mind about societal pressures of traditional family models, childless DINK (double income no kids) couples, and infidelity, mixing all these with a dash of exploration into Filipino pagan witchcraft. Though brave in nature, the attempt doesn’t really land in a satisfying way. Initially, we follow the point of view of Eileen as she navigates peer pressure about having a child (coupled with a devastating family tragedy). However, the film’s perspective suddenly shifts toward (and stays with) Clark, haphazardly dropping the more interesting narrative threads regarding motherhood for a disorganized descent into more standard horror fare (jumpscares and ugly monsters included).
Flowers must first be given to Director of Photography Kara Moreno in lensing the film in a way that just gets under your skin. The camera is made to linger on close-ups of characters, or frame scenes with Dutch angles that heighten the sense of creeping unease. Truly, the movie’s willingness to delve into absolutely disturbing or chilling (something both at the same time) imagery is its strongest suit, and we wished that the rest of the movie’s elements were up to par with that heavy lifting.
Another bright spot in all of this is Beauty Gonzales as Eileen. Lately, we have seen her pick more interesting genre fare like last year’s In My Mother’s Skin, where she was effective in portraying yet another mother caught in between a battle of good and evil.
"If ever there was a Scream Queen to take on the mantle from vets like Kris Aquino and Janice de Belen, Gonzales is it."
Sadly, this film got lost amidst all of its bigger, more polished competitors during this MMFF. Might this film be better served to have competed in a festival with more like-minded and like-budgeted fare, like Cinemalaya or QCinema perhaps? We’ll never know. However, one thing we can say is that in the midst of the Metro Manila Film Festival with its crowd-pleasing, blockbuster fare, it’s heartening to see that a few films dare to stand out, even if that attempt falls courageously short.
Kampon is one of the films showcased during the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival. Accolades include Best Editing for Benjamin Tolentino.
Cinegeeks rating : B+
Watch the trailer here:
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