Third Eye

Third Eye is a gripping 2014 horror movie from the Philippines that artfully combines horror tropes with indigenous Filipino myth and folklore. The movie is directed by Aloy Adlawan and stars Carla Abellana in the lead role, supported by Camille Prats and Ejay Falcon. Viewers perceive a spine-chilling narrative that takes them on a horrifying rollercoaster ride, maneuvering unexpected turns that can put the most seasoned horror aficionado on the edge of their seat.

Carla Abellana, widely recognized for her roles in other Filipino cinema, shines as the protagonist Mylene. She plays an ordinary woman leading a simple life. However, things take a mysterious turn when she starts seeing disturbing visions, supernatural occurrences that she cannot explain. The central idea of the film is derived from the belief in the third eye, a metaphysical concept associated with clairvoyance, out-of-body experiences, and ability to perceive otherworldly beings. Essentially, one tends to see beyond what appears in the physical world. Mylene, after opening her 'third eye,' could perceive much more than regular daily life occurrences.

Myelene is supported in her bizarre journey by her close friends, convincingly portrayed by Camille Prats and Ejay Falcon, who help her navigate this uncharted territory. The plot thickens as the trio dive deep into this chilling mystery, exploring unexplored terrains of fear and the supernatural. The suspense created in this unknown territory keeps viewers riveted and intrigued, wondering what might ensue next.

Third Eye effortlessly creates an intense ambiance by incorporating crisp dialogue and atmospheric cinematography. The well-articulated dialogue keeps the viewer’s interest, while the breathtaking, often eerie, visual elements amplify the narrative’s overall horror. From the mise en scène, ranging from dark hallways to wide-angle views of haunting landscapes, every scene is meticulously crafted to evoke dread and suspense.

The movie stands out for its impressive sound design that skillfully builds tension, keeping viewers on tenterhooks. The considered use of silence punctuated with sudden crescendos contributes significantly to the movie's frightening atmosphere. Moreover, the musical score, a blend of shrill strings and hollow percussion, is effectively employed to heighten fear, making the audience's hair stand on end.

Furthermore, the makeup and special effects used to depict the ethereal entities deserve special mention. The styling and look of these spectral figures are convincing and frightening, accentuating the horror aspect of the film. The haunting images stay long after the film has ended, providing fodder for nightmares.

While the movie belongs to the horror genre, it also poses profound questions about reality and human perception. The protagonist's struggle with her newfound vision serves as a metaphor for fear of the unknown and the human willingness to accept or reject such realities. This parallel drawn between the physical and metaphysical world adds layers to the film's narrative, making it a thought-provoking experience.

The performances of the lead actors are another highlight of the movie. Carla Abellana delivers a powerful performance, confidently portraying a character that transforms from a regular woman to a terrified person fighting mysterious forced beyond human comprehension. Both Camille Prats and Ejay Falcon provide strong support, bringing their characters to life and adding depth to the story with their compelling portrayals.

In conclusion, Third Eye is not just a run-of-the-mill horror movie. It is a thrilling, chilling journey into the unknown, a probing inquiry into man's fear of the unknown, and an examination of how we deal with unfamiliar terrains of reality. The film’s effective usage of horror elements, combined with convincing performances and well-crafted narrative makes it a captivating watch for any avid horror fan. However, beware: it might just make you think twice before closing your eyes at night!