After seeing the complete project, director King Palisoc asserted that he wouldn’t want to change a thing in the film because that’s how he and the entire team intended the film to be.
“Like any filmmaker, there are things I wish I had done differently, but as a whole, I think this is what we had envisioned for the film,” Palisoc told Manila Standard Entertainment.
Kampon, the latest addition to the Metro Manila Film Festival, successfully revives the classic horror experience through a combination of intelligent acting, creative storytelling, and a generous dose of jump scares.
Produced by Blightilight Productions and OctoArts Films, the film takes audiences on a spine-chilling journey into the lives of a childless couple, Clark (Derek Ramsay) and Eileen (Beauty Gonzalez), whose seemingly perfect world is disrupted by the sudden arrival of a mysterious girl named Jade (Erin Espiritu).
The film’s casting choices are spot-on, with Derek delivering a nuanced performance as Clark, a man grappling with his past and the unexpected upheaval in his present. Beauty shines as Eileen, portraying a woman struggling with newfound motherhood and the unsettling events surrounding Jade. Erin, known for her previous role in “Mini Miss U,” brings an unsettling charm to Jade, leaving the audience questioning her true intentions.
Kampon manages to balance effective jump scares with a captivating underlying mystery, exploring themes of family, betrayal, and the supernatural. The script, co-written by Palisoc and Dodo Dayao, keeps the audience guessing until the very end, incorporating twists and turns that are both surprising and thought-provoking.
“We intended for the audience to be curious about the ending, and we’re pleased that you asked about it. Our goal was to keep viewers guessing and provoke numerous questions with the way the film ends,” said Beauty during the film’s press screening.
The film’s lead actors deliver natural and genuine performances, making them strong contenders for Best Actor and Best Actress at the upcoming MMFF 2023 Awards Night. The emotional journey of the childless couple is portrayed with authenticity, drawing the audience into their world of uncertainties and fears.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Jade, portrayed by the talented Erin, claims to be Clark’s daughter. The revelation shakes the foundations of Clark and Eileen’s happy and quiet life, leading to a series of strange occurrences that turn their world into a chilling puzzle. The suspense builds as the audience is kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the unraveling of the mystery.
Erin steals the scene despite being a newcomer in the acting field, she shines as the real star of the MMFF 2023 entry, handling various emotions directed by Direk King with remarkable skill. Her scenes, especially the confrontations with Derek, are truly spine-tingling and showcase her incredible talent.
The film also features outstanding performances from character actor Nico Antonio, whose role adds a zombie-like vibe to the narrative. The synergy between the cast and the well-crafted storyline ensures that Kampon stands out as a must-watch horror film, blending classic elements with modern twists.