Trese

"Trese", a novel Filipino anime series first premiered on Netflix in 2021, is an intriguing concoction of supernatural horror and crime thriller. Based on the award-winning Filipino comic series of the same name by writer Budjette Tan and illustrator KaJO Baldisimo, the show penetrates into the folklore of the Philippines, curating a narrative that's distinctly fresh in global animation.

Set in the haunting, gritty underbelly of Manila, where mythological creatures of Filipino folklore coexist with humans, the show follows Alexandra Trese, a stoic, no-nonsense detective. Trese serves as the go-between for the human police force and these supernatural entities, also referred to as 'the Tikbalang', 'Aswang' and 'Elementals'. She operates in a world where the paranormal is the norm, with inexplicable crimes being the result of malevolent spirits rather than human perpetrators. Returning to her roots of traditional folklore instilled in her by her late father Anton Trese, our eponymous protagonist must use her inherited mystical abilities and the numerous mythical creatures to maintain the delicate balance between the human and the supernatural worlds.

The unique feature of "Trese" not only lies in its enticing plot and riveting action sequences but also in its endeavor in representing an Asian culture often overlooked in mainstream media. Creeping through the alleys of Manila, with neon signages, bustling traffic, and towering skyscrapers, the audience is taken on an exploration of the local supernatural folklore, sewing the narratives with tales of duwendes (dwarves), engkantos (environmental spirits), and the vicious, shape-shifting aswangs (monsters). The visual storytelling and sound design also seamlessly blend elements of horror, suspense, and dark humor, enhancing the authentic-feeling universe the show inhabits.

The supernatural and human worlds are further ingrained through characters drawn from both realms, each fortified with concrete backstories. The most captivating of them all is the show's protagonist, Alexandra Trese. Defined by her dogged determination, practicality, and a somewhat detached demeanor, Trese is every bit the unconventional leading lady. She's a medley of smoky shadows and rough edges, relentless in her mission to uphold the balance of realms, uncompromising in her decisions, yet haunted by her personal past.

One of the highlights of "Trese" is the show’s striking animation style. The series employs an angular, shadow-heavy aesthetic with noir influence, which echoes the clean lines and dark mood of the original comics and aligns with the story's dark, supernatural undertones. The grim cityscape is sharply detailed and layered, often juxtaposed with ancient symbols and creature designs inspired directly by Filipino mythology and Manila’s urban realities.

Moreover, "Trese" dives head-first into some very complex themes, including family dynamics, heritage, duty, power, and the societal impact of figures and systems of belief. It doesn't shy away from exploring the deeper implications of the human and mythical intersecting worlds within its narrative. This philosophical edge adds an even more profound depth and intensity to the show's story and central character's struggles.

The original Filipino version of the show boasts a talented voice cast, including Liza Soberano giving life to the role of Alexandra Trese, while the English version shines with the enchanting voice of Shay Mitchell in the lead. The choice to involve locally renowned voice actors adds significant authenticity to the series, involving the audience deeply into the texture of the culture and the story.

While rooted in horror and mystery, "Trese" also incorporates moments of levity through its influential use of wit. Amidst uncompromising situations and complex plot twists, Trese's sardonic humor and camaraderie with her twin spirit bodyguards offer the viewers occasional comical relief.

Overall, "Trese" is an audacious, stylized adaptation that does justice to its source material whilst offering a unique and captivating viewing experience for the uninitiated. With its intriguing plot, dynamic characters, and stunning aesthetics, the series brilliantly diversifies the global animation scene, providing the audience with a rich taste of Filipino culture, folklore, and contemporary social complexities through an impressive supernatural crime noir spectacle.

In conclusion, "Trese" is a breath of fresh air in the animation landscape. It is a gripping, action-packed thriller that leverages its unique cultural perspective and folklore origins to bridge the gap between the mundane and the mythical, making it a must-watch for all fans of the genre worldwide.