GuniGuni

GuniGuni is a 2012 Filipino horror film directed by Tara Illenberger and written by Jose Javier Reyes. The movie stars Lovi Poe, Empress Schuck, and Benjamin Alves in leading roles.

The story follows Mylene (Lovi Poe), a nurse who moves into a new apartment to begin her independent life. The apartment is located in an old building, and soon after she moves in, Mylene realizes that her neighbor, Celina (Empress Schuck), is not entirely sane. Celina's boyfriend, Tim (Benjamin Alves), tells Mylene that Celina was traumatized when she lost her unborn child. Mylene tries to befriend Celina, but soon realizes that her neighbor is involved in something sinister.

As Mylene tries to uncover the truth, strange things start happening in her apartment. She sees visions of a woman in white, and she starts hearing strange noises. A psychiatrist, Dr. Raymund (James Blanco), warns Mylene that she might be suffering from a mental disorder, but Mylene is convinced that something supernatural is happening.

Mylene soon discovers that Celina is practicing black magic and that she has been targeting her. Celina believes that Mylene is responsible for her miscarriage, and she wants revenge. Celina performs rituals in her apartment, involving chicken blood and strange artifacts, to summon evil spirits and curse Mylene.

GuniGuni is a slow-build horror film that focuses on building tension and suspense. The director effectively creates an eerie atmosphere that leaves the audience feeling uneasy throughout the movie. The cinematography is excellent, and the visual effects are impressive. The production design of the movie is also notable, especially the set design of the apartment building.

The performances of the lead actors are also commendable. Lovi Poe delivers a convincing performance as Mylene, the protagonist. She effectively portrays the character's vulnerability and fear, making the audience feel empathy towards her. Empress Schuck, on the other hand, delivers a terrifying performance as Celina, the antagonist. She effectively portrays the character's madness and obsession, which makes her character all the more frightening.

One of the strengths of GuniGuni is its use of Filipino mythology and folklore. The movie incorporates elements of aswang, tikbalang, and engkanto, among others, to create a unique horror experience. The film also touches upon social issues, such as abortion and mental health, which adds depth to the story.

Overall, GuniGuni is a well-made horror movie that effectively combines suspenseful storytelling and Filipino mythology. The movie delivers scares without relying on cheap jump scares, and the performances of the lead actors are noteworthy. The film is an excellent addition to Filipino horror cinema and is a must-watch for horror fans.