Sanzaru

Sanzaru is a 2020 American Independent Psychological thriller Movie directed and written by Xia Magnus. The title, Sanzaru, translates to "Three Wise Monkeys" from Japanese and symbolizes the principle of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." Incorporating this belief into the narrative, the movie presents an eerie, evocative, and absorbing storyline that blends aspects of gothic horror, drama, and mystery.

The plot revolves around the characters Evelyn (Aina Dumlao), her nephew Amos (Jon Viktor Corpuz), Mrs.Sullivan (Jayne Taini), and Clem (Justin Arnold) and their interaction in a quaint house in a remote part of the Southern United States. Situated in a rather rural setting, the house plays an essential character in the narrative with its old-world charm and strange happening within its walls.

Aina Dumlao delivers a spellbinding performance as Evelyn, a live-in Filipino caretaker for the ailing and dementia-ridden matriarch of the house, Mrs. Sullivan. She is an immigrant from the Philippines, trying to establish her life, working her socks off while handling Mrs. Sullivan's deteriorating health condition. Elements of her past life subtly infiltrate throughout the movie, adding a complex layer to her character that Dumlao manages to portray with a convincing performance.

The main narrative unfolds when Mrs. Sullivan's family, portrayed by Justin Arnold (a fantastic portrayal of Clem, Mrs. Sullivan's Troubled adult son), and Matthew Albrecht (as Clem's withdrawn army vet brother) come to attend the funeral of Mrs. Sullivan's deceased son. This leads to a teaming-up of Evelyn with Clem's resilient younger brother to investigate the strange occurrences happening around the house, the uneasy atmosphere, and the mysterious past that links every character.

Magnus' direction is supremely intelligent. The movie's backdrop of mourning and grief adds a dark undertone to the entire premise. This, together with the themes of cultural displacement, the paranoia of care, and the quest for identity, masterfully blended with the gothic aesthetics and haunting sound design, makes Sanzaru a gripping watch.

Jon Viktor Corpuz offers a memorable performance as Amos, Evelyn's teenage nephew, who shares in her anxieties and helps her do things around the house. He fits in effortlessly into the narrative and brings a reservoir of unsaid emotions on the screen. The interactions between Amos and Evelyn and their bond, lying somewhere between kinship and camaraderie, adds an interesting angle to the story.

On another front, we have Justin Arnold, who gives a stunning performance as Clem. He is erratic, unpredictable, and provides a sense of foreboding and menace that ratchets up the tension in the movie. His relationship with his mother, spanned in a series of uncomfortable and chilling scenes, is quite the acting feat and adds texture to his well-etched character.

Another remarkable feature of Sanzaru is its cinematography. Brock Schweitzer's cinematography imbues the film with a sense of impending dread. The gothic tone is beautifully captured via the usage of muted tones and a continuously lingering sense of unease.

The movie skilfully weaves in supernatural elements, exploring the themes of memory, family secrets, and the past's grip on the present. The suspense maintains till the end, as secrets slowly unfold, with the narrative often shifting into the realm of the supernatural. Additionally, the addition of the Filipino language and culture into the narrative further enhances the sense of displacement and cultural identity struggle.

Mystifying and deeply affecting, Sanzaru signifies a strong debut from Xia Magnus. The movie is a fascinating exploration of the human psyche and its manifestation in the face of grieving and otherworldly occurrences. Its tone, pace, and narrative do more than just scare, ensuring the audience stay intrigued by its dramatic depth.

In conclusion, Sanzaru is more than a tale of horror. It is an emotional ride with an atmosphere of continually impending doom. Xia Magnus excels in creating a truly haunting environment, and by tapping on the nerve of cultural displacement, Sanzaru delivers a rich, atmospheric thriller with excellent performances, making it a must-watch.