Pridyider

Pridyider is a 2012 Filipino horror film, it's a chilling journey into the mysterious world of the supernatural, directed by Rico Ilarde. At the heart of the film is a strange refrigerator with a terrifying secret, casting a haunting shadow over its residents. The film features the stellar performances of renowned actors like Andi Eigenmann, Janice De Belen, and JM De Guzman.

"Pridyider," which translates to "Fridge" in English, follows the life of Tina Benitez (Andi Eigenmann), a young woman who just returned to the Philippines after finishing her studies in culinary arts abroad. She is welcomed back by her childhood friend, James (JM De Guzman) who harbors affection for her. Tina, an aspiring chef, has inherited her parents’ old home - a beautiful house filled with memories but also burdened with secrets.

The main source of mystery and trepidation in the film is the antiquated and seemingly ordinary kitchen fridge - an entity that possesses a life of its own. As soon as Tina moves into the house, the refrigerator starts to chillingly influence their daily lives. The fridge, while appearing harmless during the day, carries a gruesome mystery that comes alive at night.

As Tina settles back into her parent's house, it becomes increasingly clear that she is not alone. The household is filled with bizarre, eerie events - chilling sounds emanate from the kitchen, food begins to disappear, objects moving on their own, and suddenly the house echoes with terrifying whispers and screams. The heart of these mysterious events seems to be the old refrigerator – the Pridyider.

Tina, with her strong spirit and curiosity, vows to unravel the mystery surrounding the fridge. She is supported by the soft-hearted and caring James who remains by her side despite the growing supernatural events plaguing the house. As they begin to dig deeper, they are led down a path riddled with chilling secrets and ghastly revelations about Tina's family history. The pair, determined and resilient, must face their fears head-on.

Noteworthy is the performance of Janice De Belen who plays Tina's mother in the film, offering layers of depth to her character's complicated history with the haunted refrigerator. She delivers an impressive portrayal as a woman trapped between her love for her family and the eerie haunting that has befallen them, offering a much-needed human element to the film's essence.

Pridyider revolves around the notion of everyday objects carrying haunting mysteries, bringing to life the genre of classic Filipino horror. Director Rico Ilarde has done an exceptional job in building an atmosphere of horror and tension. The film boasts of notable performances combined with effective use of sound and visuals, which keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats, without revealing too much too soon.

The true brilliance of ‘Pridyider’ lies in its ability to make seemingly mundane essentials of daily life - like a refrigerator - into a symbol of fear. The use of the ordinary household appliance as the source of horror and terror is a novel approach, allowing viewers to experience the ever-shifting border between the familiar and the foreign, the mundane and the terrifying.

Pridyider's plot is also commendable for its exploration of family secrets, underpinned by the themes of obsession, betrayal, and redemption. It masterfully plays upon the universal fears of the unknown, the past catching up, and the inherent eeriness of isolated, empty houses.

Overall, Pridyider is not just a conventional horror movie. It offers more than just scares. The film tells a deeply moving narrative about family and pasts that refuse to be forgotten. With Pridyider, you're signing up for a haunting cinematic journey that amalgamates horror, mystery, and drama into one chilling, unforgettable narrative.