Kisapmata

Led by a central performance so powerful, intimidating & domineering that the character's overbearing presence & oppressive aura looms over the story even when he isn't around in those moments, Kisapmata is disconcerting from the first scene, gets more unnerving as it progresses and brims with a claustrophobic atmosphere that's absolutely smothering in its intensity.

Co-written & directed by Mike de Leon, the story is inspired from a real-life event and brings its narrative to life in a very raw, lifelike manner. The drama is riveting all the way through, is infused with a feeling of uneasiness that never for once leaves the room, and the characters are deftly scripted as well. And there is an incestuous undercurrent at play here that adds to its uncomfortable tone.

Each n every conversation only moves the plot closer to the inevitable finale and even when it's apparent where the story is headed and how things may play out, it is still difficult to not be affected by it. Vic Silayan renders his role with nothing held back, playing the controlling, dictatorial patriarch with such dominance that his input overshadows everyone else. It's not an easy act but the actor is natural at it.

Overall, Kisapmata ranks amongst the most disturbing & disquieting examples of its genre(s) and features a premise that cuts far too close to a real-life scenario. An emotionally gripping & palpably tense nightmare that gives the viewers no breathing space and keeps things taut & terrifying solely through character actions & conversations, this obscure Filipino gem is as authentic in its storytelling as it is suffocating in its setting.