Sigaw (The Echo)

When Yam Laranas' Sigaw was shown on local theaters roughly 3 years ago, I didn't get the chance to see it. I think it wasn't really popular back then. But, the film soon gained a lot of positive, even rave, reviews and began to be noticed internationally, even amidst the glut of Asian horror films such as The Grudge, Ring and others.

The film went on to garner a number of awards and was eventually signed up for a Hollywood remake with no less than the producers of The Ring and Grudge remakes. I was curious what all the hype was about.

I finally saw Sigaw today, on free TV, and I must say it really is an impressive piece of work. Sigaw doesn't rely on the usual elements of gore, shock and surprise that has become quite commonplace in the horror genre. There are no chainsaw-wielding wackos here nor bloodthirsty zombies. Instead, the film evokes dread and an uneasy feeling from the viewer only through the use of a creepy soundtrack, dim lighting, strange camera angles, and the very eerie-looking apartment. Yes there are bloody scenes but they are kept to a minimum.

All these contribute to make a very effective setting. I know a little bit about how setting can play a very important role in a story. I did a paper back in college on how setting can convey a story's theme. Sigaw succeeds in using setting as an important part of the story (which is actually a rather cliched plotline). The decrepit apartment helped establish the atmosphere of desperation, decay and suffering that highlight the characters' ordeal and fate. The film isn't really that terrifying but it left me feeling uneasy and creeped-out - in that sense, the film succeeds.

Now I can't wait for the remake of this film, retitled as 'The Echo'. The original director, Mr. Laranas will be at the helm, and one of the original cast members, Ms. Iza Calzado, will reprise her role. Being noticed in the ultra-competitive world of Hollywood is already an achievement in itself, but I hope the new film will be another stellar triumph for Filipino talents in the international scene. So, if you haven't seen it, watch this little Pinoy horror film before the rest of the world does. 'The Echo' - Proudly Pinoy!

Check out Yam Laranas' blog here.