Heaven Peralejo sends the chills in director Mikhail Red’s ‘Lilim’
MANILA, Philippines — Director Mikhail Red has been searching for the right project for the big screen since he bagged Best Director and Best Picture honors for the psychological horror-mystery, “Deleter” (2022).
He megged another horror flick, “Nokturno” (2024), a narrative set against the turbulent backdrop on the 1970s and 1980s Philippines, but it was shown online.
A master of genre storytelling, direk Mikhail believes that a chilling horror flick thrives in the immersive atmosphere of theater, not simply a click away.
Lately, when watching films has become part of the routine, streaming at home with a mere click of a button, direk Mikhail makes it a point that watching films on the big screen has to be worth the while of theater-goers.
Direk Mikhail’s latest screen opus, “Lilim,” explores another realm in the horror genre. The film exhibited how much he truly evolved in his craft.
He invites theater-goers to leave the couch, return to the darkened theaters and experience the thrills of the big screen anew.
“Lilim” made its world premiere at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands last January. The film received praise from international critics.
For the first time, direk Mikhail’s dad, award-winning filmmaker Raymond Red, works as the cinematographer of “Lilim.” The latter brings the viewers to the eerie landscapes of Mt. Makiling, the backdrop of the film.
“Lihim” was shot in an actual boarding school and recreated period-specific interiors inside a studio. Every detail was expectedly intentional, from the production design to the cinematography, drawing inspiration from ‘90s cinema and setting.
No wonder, direk Mikhail asserted “Lilim” is not just carried by one authority. It’s “teamwork.”
“From sound design to CGI (computer-generated imagery) to prosthetics and stunts, we are proving that the Philippines is competitive in the global horror scene,” said direk Mikhail. “We are meeting the international regional standards when it comes to genre cinema.”
“Lilim” topbills Heaven Peralejo, who explores horror after Shugo Praico’s suspense drama-thriller and 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “Nananahimik ang Gabi.”
Direk Mikhail had been searching for the next and right project to collaborate on and he cannot be thankful enough that he found it with “Lilim,” with the story he also wrote with his brother Nikolas Red.
“Horror is meant to be shared with an audience in the dark, with no pause button in sight,” direk Mikhail said.
He is aware that horror holds a special place in the audience hearts, just like romantic comedies. Horror is meant to be experienced together.
“There’s a release, an excitement after every scare,” direk Mikhail earlier said. “That’s why horror continues to thrive. It’s an experience, not just a film.”
With “Lilim,” direk Mikhail highlights why horror remains one of the most successful Filipino genres. “Horror is universal,” he said.
Even sub-titled horror films from Korea or Thailand, get appreciated because scares, atmosphere and existential themes transcend language barriers. That’s why horror is one of the easiest genres to distribute worldwide.
Direk Mikhail has done horror before, but he is known to constantly push the boundaries of horror, try something new and different, as he took on a different approach with “Lilim.”
Embrace the power of horror anew on the big screen with the terrifying glory of “Lilim,” the scariest film this summer that starts to haunt local cinemas today (March 12).
The film was jointly bankrolled by Evolve Studios, Viva Films and Studio Viva. It merited an R-16 classification.
Heaven, escorted by loveteam partner Marco Gallo, excitedly graced Monday night’s premiere, even if she admittedly had seen the horror flick a number of times.
The cast — Eula Valdez, Ryza Cenon, Mon Confiado, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Phoebe Walker, Nicole Omillo, Gold Aceron and child actor Skywalker David — showed up at The Block, venue for the screening.
The film follows the harrowing journey of two siblings who seek refuge in a secluded orphanage, only to uncover a dark secret lurking beneath its walls. The siblings proved the nuns are engaged in dark cult practices and confront an ancient evil.
A review from the Canadian publication, Screen Anarchy, called “Lihim” a complete package — a blend of psychological horror, family drama, occult mystery and slasher thrills.
Other celebrities who attended the premiere included Viva executives Veronique and Valerie del Rosario, directors Jalz Zarate and Jason Paul Laxamana, Ara Mina, Jerome Ponce and Jeffrey Hidalgo, among others.
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