Aurora

Aurora, an ambitious thriller from the Philippines released in 2018, has found its place among the most distinguished entries in the world of horror and suspense. Belonging to the realm of the supernatural and the macabre, Aurora deviates from the classic horror movie structure to bring forth an intense narrative enriched with elements of drama, mystery, and suspense. The film benefits from the exceptional talent of acclaimed actress Anne Curtis, alongside notable performances from young Phoebe Villamor and Mercedes Cabral.

This unique film, named after a ship that sinks off the coast of their island, spins an eerie tale circling the life of Leana, played by Anne Curtis. Leana, a young innkeeper living in a seemingly tranquil coastal village, earns her livelihood by providing travelers a peaceful retreat by the sea. However, her mundane life gets upended when the passenger ship Aurora sinks near the shore of her quiet island, leading to countless lives being lost to the unforgiving waters.

Leana's life transforms into a spine-chilling nightmare as the spirits of the perished start haunting her, with the wreckage of the Aurora serving as a constant reminder of the tragic event. As the story unfurls itself, we see Leana acting entirely out of her self-interest decided to take on a commission to recover the bodies of the lost souls. Along with her young sister Rita, performed by Phoebe Villamor, she begins this eerie journey crossing the thin veil between the living and the immortal dead.

The cinematography of Aurora deserves a standing ovation. The element of horror gets intensified by the vivid portrayal of the bleak and sandy beaches, the murky woods, and the gloomy cabins that add to the overall ghastliness. The chilling atmosphere, buoyed by subtle sound design and haunting visuals, takes the horror experience to another level. At the same time, the changing color palette reflects the moods and dilemmas of the characters, complementing their internal struggles with the external supernatural aura.

The director, Yam Laranas, has skillfully avoided sudden jump scares, instead creating suspense through atmospheric horror and deep psychological impact. The screenplay efficiently develops tension between the characters, enhancing the overall plot and leaving the viewers on the edge of their seats. Laranas’ signature style of introducing animated terror takes the center stage in this film. Aurora doesn’t rely on cheap tricks to scare the audience; the fear factor is constructed gradually, relying on human emotions and engaging storytelling.

The performances in the movie take the viewers on an emotional roller coaster. Anne Curtis as Leana transmits her fear and anxiety to the audience, making her character empathetic. Her strong performance, combined with an intriguing plotline, keeps the audience hooked. Phoebe Villamor, despite her tender age, feeds off Curtis’s energy and brings another layer to the movie. Meanwhile, Mercedes Cabral completes this strong female ensemble, adding more depth to the narrative.

Aurora may be a departure from traditional horror films, but it has set a benchmark in supernatural thrillers. Packed with a gripping storyline, strong performances, and haunting visuals, it offers an unforgettable cinematic experience. At its core, this film deals with themes of guilt, tragedy, greed, and the distressing human need to find closure, even when it pushes the boundaries of the natural and the supernatural.

The movie is successful in providing unexpected twists and turns, offering viewers a chilling yet alluring spectacle of horror. With Aurora, Laranas has presented a film that uses the medium of horror to tell a heart-wrenching story, rather than using the story as an excuse for horror.

In summary, Aurora is more than just a horror-thriller. It’s an exploration of human emotions — fear, greed, guilt, an unyielding quest for closure — set against a dreadful backdrop. The result is a hair-raising cinematic piece that thrusts viewers into a haunting journey from which they will not quickly recover. The movie compels one to reflect on life, death, and the disturbing lengths to which humans will go to find closure and peace. It is a haunting tale, both literally and metaphorically, and a must-watch for lovers of the genre.