Eager moviegoers are bouncing back to cinemas and movie halls to experience the joy of watching feature-length films on gigantic screens with full surround sound. Although health protocols are still being strictly observed, it’s safe to say that cinema is alive, again.
During this pandemic period, Viva Entertainment (via Vivamax) is one of the country’s top content providers that actively produced movies made for streaming. Now the entertainment company is ready to take its films back to the silver screen with Rooftop, a millennial horror flick helmed by award-winning director Yam Laranas (Sigaw, The Road, Aurora).
The film, which tackles breaking rules and great times turning into mishaps, is the first local movie that gets to be shown on the big screen this year. It unspooled on April 27 exclusively at SM Cinemas.
“We feel the pressure. We know that some people are still afraid to leave their houses or to stay in an enclosed space like a movie house,” a cast member said during the film’s media conference.
“Some people are used to watching their movies using their devices but we also see people now heading to the cinemas to watch movies. In fact, malls are packed nowadays. It’s like we’re back to normal so we hope that they’d give our movie a chance,” another actor added.
The story revolves around a mindless prank turned into an unfortunate accident that changes the lives of a group of friends who are on their summer break. Ellie (Ryza Cenon) and her friends, Lance (Marco Gumabao), Wave (Ella Cruz), Martin (Marco Gallo), Jessica (Rhen Escaño), and Chris (Andrew Muhlach) hold a secret party on their campus’ rooftop. They also invite Paul (Epy Quizon), a fellow student but an outsider from their social group, who is also a part-time janitor at their school.
Trying to keep things exciting at the party, the group decides to play on what they thought was a harmless prank on Paul. Things go on a downward spiral when they push Paul from the rooftop and end up falling for real leading to his untimely passing.
Being young, reckless, and afraid to face the consequences of their actions, the group decides to cover up the incident and vows to never speak of what happened on the rooftop.
Things find a way to catch up with them as Paul’s ghost now haunts them. Will they be able to make peace with their past? Or will they suffer the fate same as what they did to Paul?
“That’s what people need to find out. It’s a horror movie, so it’s going to be a different experience watching it on the big screen together with your friends. Mas nakakatakot yun,” ended the cast member.