Sigaw

Sigaw, a 2004 Philippine horror movie directed by Yam Laranas, presents an intriguing amalgamation of suspense, fear, and mystery. It stars reputable industry stalwarts like Jomari Yllana, Richard Gutierrez, and Iza Calzado, who lent their talents to bring this chilling tale to life.

Translating to "The Echo" in English, Sigaw takes cinema-goers into a grim and foreboding apartment building, where the eerie echoes of the past still linger. The film starts with the protagonist Marvin (Richard Gutierrez), a handsome young man who moves into an old, low-rise apartment building in Manila, seeking to start afresh after ending a tumultuous relationship. The building, a relic of the past, had seen better days, with its peeling paint, aging infrastructure, and a dread that seemed to hang heavy in the very air.

However, soon after settling in, Marvin starts experiencing a series of unsettling events. From inexplicable noises to enigmatic occurrences, he becomes plagued by a strange phenomenon where he appears to be witnessing scenes from past occurring in the present. The screams, cries, and pleas for help that echo throughout the building start to get under his skin, triggering a relentless quest to get to the bottom of the mystery.

As the storyline progresses, the audience gets introduced to two significant characters. Jomari Yllana brilliantly portrays Bert, the disgruntled security guard of the building who has seen and heard more than he lets on and seems to bear the burden of the building’s dark past. On the other hand, there's Anna (Iza Calzado), a mysterious woman living in the building whose life appears to be intrinsically tied to the strange events Marvin experiences.

The film effectively employs the setting of the creepy, old apartment building and its corresponding historical background, allowing for an atmosphere filled with suspense, tension, and an underlying feeling of dread. Every corner of the apartment appears to house a secret, every echo seems to carry an untold story, feeding into the overall unsettling ambiance.

Director Yam Laranas masterfully navigates the delicate balance of building suspense without over-reliance on typical horror tropes. The narrative is complex yet accessible, allowing the characters and their experiences to lead the story, rather than being purely driven by horror. The director smartly uses the echoes as a narrative device, representing the tragic past that refuses to disappear.

Richard Gutierrez delivers an impressive performance as the determined and empathetic Marvin, who remains resolute amidst the terrifying circumstances. His portrayal adds an element of depth to the storyline, leaving the audience invested in his pursuit for answers.

Jomari Yllana, who brilliantly presents Bert as an enigmatic guard caught between duty and dreadful secrets, contributes significantly to the movie's eerie ambiance. His nuanced performance heightens the mystery and suspense around the building's haunting history.

Iza Calzado captivates with her portrayal of Anna, bringing a sense of vulnerability and quiet strength to the character. Her performance is compelling and poignant, serving as an emotional anchor amidst the unfolding horror.

The film boasts a fittingly dark and grim cinematography, which successfully amplifies the unsettling theme and atmosphere of the story. The intermittent use of minimal light and shadow elevates the suspense, contributing to the overall creepiness of the setting.

Also, worth noting is the film's sound design that is effectively chilling and used creatively to portray the horror elements. The echoed sounds of past events, which gives the film its title, significantly heighten tension while building an ominous backdrop to the unfolding narrative.

Sigaw is a unique blend of classic horror tropes and a compelling narrative. It takes a distinctive approach to explore how echoes from the past can continue to resonate in the present, causing a ripple effect of terror and dread. Veterans and newcomers to the horror genre alike will find an absorbing experience in this Filipino masterpiece that takes them on a harrowing journey of fear, intrigue, and suspense.