Pwera Usog

Pwera Usog, a chilling supernatural thriller from the Philippines, premiered in 2017 and has since incited waves of terror in its viewers. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, the film features impressive performances from notable actors: Joseph Marco, Sofia Andres, and Kiko Estrada, to name a few. As with many Asian horrors, the spine-chilling Pwera Usog explores themes steeped in local culture and mythology.

The film starts off on a seemingly serene note as it introduces the audience to a group of young, charismatic people. This entourage, comprising of internet video creators, seems equally fascinated and intrigued by the urban legends that pepper their country's history. Led by protagonist Jepoy (Joseph Marco), the group works on a popular online horror show called "Tinikling" (Bamboo Dance) where they reenact various Filipino superstitions and folk stories. However, their professional and creative pursuits take a dark turn when they decide to test the validity of these tales.

One urban myth that particularly piques their interest is Pwera Usog, or Evil Eye Hex, a traditional Filipino belief. It's a supposed curse, commonly targeted towards a child by a stranger giving them an admiring glance or compliment without saying "pwera usog," which serves as an antidote to the spell. The child inflicted with this curse then experiences inexplicable maladies. The expression and belief arise steeply from Filipino folklore, a grim reminder of the country's connection to the supernatural.

In their quest for knowledge and a thirst for higher viewer engagement, the group decides to investigate this phenomenon, unbeknownst of the terror that awaits them. During a staged séance, they unknowingly invoke the curse, thrusting them into a world where fear trumps reason, and superstition eats away logic.

Once back in everyday life, the group starts falling apart as members strangely fall ill. The eerie coincidence pushes the group back into the mantle of reason, leaving them exploring deeper into the bowels of the traditional superstition of 'Usog.' As the movie progresses, the characters grapple with looming dread and an escalating sense of paranoia. Unusual occurrences become everyday affairs, the sinister reality of their superstitions starts becoming more evident and severe.

As the group struggles to understand what is happening to them, they are lead down paths of traditional beliefs, supernatural entities and other elements of Filipino folklore. What begins as a quest for internet popularity gradually transitions into a desperate race against time and an escalating battle against the unseen.

Sofia Andres, who plays Luna, brings to the screen an enriching portrayal of a young woman grappling with deepening fear and disbelief. Her realistic depiction of terror adds to the overall suspense of the story, making the narrative more captivating. Kiko Estrada plays his role effectively, helping to increase the tension and maintain the movie's eerie ambiance.

Joseph Marco, notable for his roles in hit television series and films, carries the film as the central character Jepoy. His performance throughout is one of mounting fear and paranoia and is compelling and convincing as he brings to life the horrors the group experiences. His attempts to save his friends and himself adds a rich character dimension and maintains the plot's momentum, keeping viewers on the edge till the end.

Pwera Usog effectively delves into the world of the supernatural and superstition, combined with modern aspects of society. The film addresses the clash between traditional belief systems and the naivety of youth, presenting a horror experience grounded in Filipino culture and livelihood.

The performances of the cast, the pacing of the script, and the enigmatic ambiance make Pwera Usog an intense horror watch, serving a hair-raising experience for fans of the genre.

Director Jason Paul Laxamana accomplishes a memorable thriller that examines the depth of human fear and the consequences of tampering with the unknown. The way he synergizes traditional folklore with contemporary elements results in a unique horror film that resonates with viewers, making Pwera Usog a must-watch for globally-minded horror enthusiasts.

Overall, Pwera Usog spins a tale intricately balancing traditional Filipino folklore with the complexities of modern-day youth, creating a blend of psychological and supernatural horror that will send chills down your spine.