Drama & suspense are bedfellows in Signos

Signos, the independent film from Aloy Adlawan, is consistently dark and eerie from beginning to end. The approach or treatment makes the viewer experience mixed emotions — and wonder whether he is scared by the mysterious killings in the movie or just drawn to the feelings of the characters. It puts the viewer in the same dilemma he had while watching Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara starring Lorna Tolentino and The Sixth Sense starring Bruce Willis. Signos tests one’s beliefs about the unknown (people who live in another dimension).

Whether the movie capitalizes on the idea of destiny or deja vu, Signos is a must-see for it banks on a good story of returning to one’s roots and healing past wounds.

Adlawan is successful in telling these amidst rumbling sounds of thunder and a rainy background.

Signos takes off when Louie (Luis Alandy) gets a text message from the province that his father Ulding (Ricky Davao) had a heart attack. The loving son drives home from Manila only to find out that the message was a prank.

On his way to his hometown Salvacion, Louie senses something eerie about the place. He finds out there have been killings in the barrio. One of the victims is childhood sweetheart Elma (Pinoy Big Brother Season One’s Chx Alcala).

As the day wears on, Louie is about to resolve a long-standing conflict with his dad and the latter’s second family. Louie discovers the truth when the killings move closer to home and threaten his family.

Also in the cast are Irma Adlawan as the servant, mystic stepmother Cora; DM Sevilla and Eloisa Yap, Louie’s half-brother and half-sister; Nancy Castiglione, his wife and Lauren Novero, Elma’s husband and Louie’s best friend. 

Aside from the compelling drama, the core of Adlawan’s indie, Signos is rich in cinematic shots and sounds that create suspense and horror. These heighten the emotions of longing on the part of the people Luis has left, and confusion on his part.

The movie doesn’t have to resort to monstrous creatures and bloody attacks to scare. The appearance of dead Elma throwing mud on Louie, a man digging a hole, Irma making a cross on the wall with chicken blood, the deserted town and the “muddy” townsfolk are enough to send chills down viewers’ spines.

It is also a well-acted film. You feel the concern and hatred of the main character through Luis’ effortless performance. Ricky and Irma are reliable and generous in letting younger stars shine. DM and Eloisa show their acting mettle and that they can be at par with the veterans.

The two never lose track of their characters, especially in ensemble acting. They’re good in delivering humorous lines in the few light moments of the movie.

Chx and model Nicolette Bell are revelations even if they don’t talk in most of their scenes. Chx’s character sets the eerie tone and Nicolette’s carries it over.

If Signos can be taken as any sign of thing to come in filmmaking, it’s the fact that drama, suspense and horror make a beautiful combination.

Signos is now showing in theaters.