The Ghost Bride

The Ghost Bride, a 2017 Filipino-Singaporean horror-mystery film, tells the story of a young woman named Mayen (Kim Chiu) who is forced to marry a wealthy family's son, the recently deceased Amang (Mark Gil), through a Chinese tradition called "ghost marriage."

Mayen comes from a struggling family and the fortune offered by the wealthy family who wants to restore the name and honor of their family is tempting. However, the marriage is ghostly and only serves as a cover to appease the spirit of Amang who died without a wife. Once Mayen agrees, she begins to see and experience strange occurrences and dreams which lead her to unveil the dark truth behind the ghost marriage.

As Mayen tries to uncover the mystery, she meets various characters who assist her in solving the puzzle. One of them is Oliver (Matteo Guidicelli), Amang's cousin, who is also suspicious of the family's actions. Together, they try to solve the mystery and end the tradition, which is now causing harm to the living.

Meanwhile, the main antagonist is Pina, Amang's vengeful lover, who is determined to stop Mayen from marrying him. Pina is played by Christian Bables, who delivers an eerie and creepy performance as the vengeful spirit. His portrayal adds depth to the film, making it more relatable and realistic.

The cinematography and production design of The Ghost Bride are excellent. The film's setting, which is a blend of Filipino and Chinese cultures, adds to the creepy and haunting atmosphere of the story. The color palate used in the film is striking, giving the audience a sense of unease and fright.

The Ghost Bride also explores themes such as family, tradition, and the lengths people go to to restore their name and honor. It depicts the dangers of blindly following tradition and how it can lead to harm, both to the living and the dead. It also illustrates how love can be a powerful force, even after death.

Kim Chiu's performance as Mayen is commendable. She perfectly fits the role, portraying a character with a mix of innocence and bravery. She convincingly delivers emotionally charged scenes, making it easy for the audience to empathize with her plight. Matteo Guidicelli also shines in his role as he brings out the perfect balance of charm, wit and heroism as Oliver.

Overall, The Ghost Bride is an excellent addition to the horror-mystery genre. It successfully blends Filipino-Chinese culture, folklore, and family themes while also offering scares and chills. It's a must-watch for those who want to experience a uniquely Filipino take on horror-mystery storytelling.