Title: Manyak
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 1h 47m
Released: 4 August 2023
Country of Origin: Philippines
Language: Filipino
Director: Carlo Alvarez
Writer: Carlo Alvarez
Production Company: Viva Films • Alcazar Films • Blackbox Studios
Synopsis: Deep in a dense and mysterious forest lies a picturesque and secluded home, nestled among towering trees and surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquility. This house, owned by a young woman's sister, becomes the unexpected setting for a story of terror and survival.
The young woman named Desire and her devoted boyfriend Adam were given the immense responsibility of looking after her sister's apartment while she went on a well-deserved vacation. Wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of their own lives, they eagerly accepted the invitation, unaware of the dark events that would soon occur.
When they arrived home, a feeling of serenity came over them. The sun's rays filtered through the leaves, casting a soft glow on the rustic exterior. The front porch, decorated with weathered rocking chairs, invited people to sit and enjoy the natural beauty around them. The scent of pine and earth fills the air, creating an atmosphere of calm and serenity.
With each passing day, Desire and Adam settled into their temporary home, enjoying the solitude and the opportunity to reconnect with nature. They spent their mornings exploring the vastness of the forest, their footsteps crunching over fallen leaves as they ventured deeper into the unknown. The forest, with its towering trees and hidden secrets, seemed to whisper ancient stories from forgotten times.
However, their idyllic retreat was soon destroyed by a strange discovery. Late at night, as they lay in bed, the silence was abruptly broken by a soft crack. Their hearts raced as they exchanged worried glances, and their minds were filled with a sense of foreboding. They slowly got out of bed, their footsteps barely audible on the creaking floorboards.
As they ventured down, their eyes widened in horror. The once immaculate living room was now a mess, with overturned furniture and broken glass littering the floor. The air was heavy with a menacing presence, as if the walls themselves held the secrets of the night. Fear gripped their hearts as they realized they were not alone in this house.
A frightening realization came over them as they pieced together the terrible truth. This was no ordinary break-in; it was a sadistic invasion of their sanctuary. The intruders had left behind a trail of grisly evidence, a twisted display of malevolence. The walls were decorated with enigmatic symbols engraved in blood-red paint, and the air was filled with an inexplicable feeling of fear.
With their hearts pounding, Desire and Adam knew they had to fight for their lives. With all their courage, they vowed to uncover the truth behind this nightmarish invasion and protect their refuge from the clutches of evil. Little did they know that their journey would take them down a treacherous path filled with unimaginable horrors and a fight for survival that would test the limits of their strength and resilience.
REVIEW POV: Dark Secrets Revealed: A Horrifying Home Invasion in the Woods
Introduction
Imagine entering a world of serenity and calm, only to realize that it is a facade that hides unimaginable horrors. It is the spooky story of a young woman who, accompanied by her house manager boyfriend, ends up in a nightmare scenario in her sister's house deep in the eerie forest. As the couple begins to settle in, they soon realize they are not alone, setting the stage for a sadistic home invasion that will test their courage and survival instincts.
The perfect getaway turned into a nightmare
A quiet retreat in the forest
The young woman, let's call her Désiré, and her boyfriend Adam were attracted to the idyllic charm of Désiré's sister's house, a cozy retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature. The plan was simple: stay home for a few weeks, enjoy the solitude and the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. They could not have foreseen the horrors that awaited them.
A disturbing presence
As the couple settled into their makeshift home, a strange atmosphere began to permeate the walls. Strange noises in the night, whispers carried by the wind, and the unwavering feeling of being watched made their stay increasingly unsettling. Despite their growing unease, they dismissed it as just their imagination and were determined to enjoy their time together.
The scary revelation
Darkness falls
One fateful night, as Desire and Adam were lounging in the living room, a sudden power outage plunged the house into darkness. Panic set in as they realized they were completely isolated in the dark forest. They searched for flashlights and felt a twinge of fear when they heard footsteps outside. Her worst nightmare had just begun.
The sadistic home invasion
In a desperate attempt to protect themselves, Desire and Adam barricaded the doors and windows. Their hearts pound, fear gripping them like a vice as intruders tirelessly knock on doors and demand entry. With each passing moment the brutality of the intruders became clearer, painting a horrific picture of sadism and violence. The couple's only hope was to thwart their attackers.
Fight or flight: survival at all costs
The fight for survival
As the invaders increased their attack, Desire and Adam fought back with all the strength they could muster. In a battle filled with intelligence and determination, they used their surroundings to gain an advantage. Using their ingenuity and resilience, they fought tooth and nail to protect each other and emerged victorious from this nightmarish ordeal.
The exposure of evil
Amid the chaos and bloodshed, a shocking revelation shook Desire and Emily to their core. It turned out that one of the attackers was someone they both knew and trusted. The line between friend and foe is blurred, making them question their ability to distinguish reality from illusion. This revelation increased the intensity of their fight and strengthened their resolve to survive.
The consequences: scars that never fade
Changed forever
After what felt like an eternity, help finally came. Desire and Adam were physically safe, but emotionally scarred by the unimaginable horrors they had experienced. The innocence they once possessed had been shattered and replaced with a lingering sense of vulnerability. Her life would never be the same again.
A haunting memory
As they said goodbye to the house in the woods, they carried with them the memories of the dark home invasion. The once enchanting retreat was forever tainted, a haunting reminder of the evil that lurked beneath the surface. Her story serves as a cautionary tale, a frightening reminder that even in the quietest environments, darkness can fall in an instant.
Conclusion
The harrowing story of Desire and Adam's tragic encounter with a sadistic home invasion underscores the fragility of our perceived security and the resilience of the human spirit. Her experience is a frightening reminder that evil can lurk in even the quietest places. As we go through life, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for the unexpected so that we do not fall prey to the dark forces that lie in wait and are ready to destroy our sense of security.
TOP BILLED CAST & CREW: | |
ACTOR | ROLE |
Christine Bermas | Desire |
Nico Locco | Adam |
Sheree | Myla (as Sheree Bautista) |
Joko Diaz | Ken |
Yuna Theodore | Leo |
Hurry Up Tingson | Streamer Rape Victim 1 |
Joana David | Nurse Rape Victim 2 |
Catherine Ashley | Party Girl Rape Victim 3 |
Ariel Banega | April (as Ariel 'Mama A' Bañega) |
Drew Luis | Natoy |
Matthew Domingo | Harrold |
Michael Yu | Photographer's Assistant |
Beverly Benny | Rape Victim 4 |
Kate Dennisse | Rape Victim 5 |
Arlhei Janmira Dapilos | Young Desire (as Arlhei Dapilos) |
Reign Sophia | Young Myla |
Merby Mendiola | Darkman 1 |
Carlos Cayabyab Jr. | Darkman 2 (as Carlos Cayabyab) |
Jeremy Tan | Darkman 3 |
Dave Palanog | Policeman 1 |
Roberto Riguer | Policeman 2 (as Roberto Reguer) |
Argyle Absalon | Policeman 3 (as Argyle Absalom) |
Mark Rertinol | Policeman 4 |
Vas Palacay | Scary Movie Villain |
Lanz Gary Evasco | Scary Movie Killer (as Lance Gary Evasco) |
Christina Jade | Scary Movie Victim |
JP Lopez | Accountant |
Sarah Lageler | Makeup Artist |
Carlo Alvarez | Burglar on CCTV |
Produced by | |
Dianne Asuelo | associate producer |
Niña De Castro | supervising producer |
Vincent Del Rosario III | producer |
Vic Del Rosario Jr. | executive producer |
Valerie S. Del Rosario | producer |
John Philip Doria | junior creative producer (as Philip Doria) |
Vhirgh Garcia | associate producer |
Sarah Lageler | line producer |
Jaysar Lorayna | line producer |
Music by | |
Sean Tuesday | |
Cinematography by | |
Carlo Alvarez | director of photography |
Editing by | |
Carlo Alvarez | |
Production Design by | |
Merby Mendiola | |
Makeup Department | |
Ariel Banega | hair stylist (as Ariel 'Mama A' Bañega) / makeup artist (as Ariel 'Mama A' Bañega) / special makeup effects artist (as Ariel 'Mama A' Bañega) |
Kim Barea | assistant hair stylist (as Kim Barea Sabodogo) / assistant makeup artist (as Kim Barea Sabodogo) |
Production Management | |
Vhirgh Garcia | production manager |
Emerald Suarez | production unit manager (as Emerald Suarez-Reyes) |
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director | |
JP Lopez | assistant director |
Merby Mendiola | assistant director |
Art Department | |
Jeremy Tan | setman |
Buboy Villafranc | setman (as Buboy Villafranca) |
Sound Department | |
Roberto Riguer | audioman (as Roberto Reguer) |
Sean Tuesday | sound engineer |
Visual Effects by | |
Carlo Alvarez | cgi artist: Sleepless Nights / cgi supervisor: Sleepless Nights |
Camera and Electrical Department | |
Carlos Cayabyab Jr. | key grip (as Carlos Cayabyab) |
Jess Ledesma | additional behind the scenes / cameraman / gaffer |
JM Moraleda | aerial videographer |
Dave Palanog | additional behind the scenes / assistant camera |
Jay Servito | behind the scenes photographer / behind the scenes videographer |
Costume and Wardrobe Department | |
Cassy Jay Juaniza | wardrobe (as Cassy Juaniza) |
Jaimmilyn Tan | wardrobe |
Location Management | |
Sarah Lageler | location manager |
Music Department | |
Verb Del Rosario | for: Viva Records |
Civ Fontanilla | for: Viva Records (as Percival Fontanilla) |
Guia Gil-Ferrer | for: Viva Records |
Random Mischief | original song |
Maria Gloria Mozo | for: Viva Records (as Maria Gloria O. Mozo) |
Antonio M. Ocampo | for: Viva Records |
Script and Continuity Department | |
Tom Adrales | script supervisor |
Additional Crew | |
Glaiza Abarratigue | sales and administration assistant: Vivamax |
Kiko Abrillo | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Argyle Absalon | safety officer: CarePlus Ambulance |
Mylene Adier | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications (as Mylene A. Adier) |
Apollo Clores Alcantara | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Albert Almaden | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Carlo Alvarez | owner: Blackbox Studios / owner: LMNOP Productions |
Ronald Arguelles | content aggregations: Vivamaxplus |
Melnar Arquillo | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Kevin Laurence L. Arriola | senior marketing strategist: Vivamax (as Kevin Arriola) |
Kareef Arzadon | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Genesis Baga | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Genesis Jasminei Baga) |
Jacques Jon Bangayan | content operations assistant: Vivamax (as Jacques Jon T. Bangayan) |
Kezia Ghemima Bangit | admin assistant: Vivamaxplus |
Michaela Bellido | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Roni Benaid | creative supervisor (as Roni S. Benaid) |
Juan Miguel Berdan | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Daniel Ed Blancaflor | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Romeo Bolos | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Romeo Bolos Jr.) |
Ferry Cabanatan | multi-channel network: Viva Communications |
Carolyn Cabigas | digital services: Viva Communications (as Carolyn Mae Cabigas) |
Ethel Cais | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Ethelinda Cais) |
Raul Calalang Jr. | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Doreen Castillo | integrated sales: Viva Communications |
Michael Castillo | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Lance Cerilla | integrated sales: Viva Communications |
Neil Anthony Claravall | regional sales manager: Vivamax |
Dianne Cleto | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Jyrah C. Conti | content operations assistant: Vivamax |
Jasper Cuballes | graphic artist: Vivamax (as Jasper Bernie A. Cuballes) |
John Jehrees Cullarin | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Krishaila Mae David | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Ronan K. De Guzman | chief operating officer: Vivamax (as Ronan De Guzman) |
Sidney De Paz | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications (as Sydney De Paz) |
Justine De Vera | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
John Pierre Del Espiritu | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Robert Gabriel Del Rio | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Vanessa Del Rosario | multi-channel network: Viva Communications |
Vicenzo Reeve Del Rosario | finance department: Viva Communications |
Franz Dela Rea | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Jackie Dela Rosa | integrated sales: Viva Communications |
Christian Delas Alas | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Christian Mark Delas Alas) |
Irene Delos Angeles | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Irene Riana Delos Angeles) |
Michael Dichoso | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
John Philip Doria | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Phillip Doria) |
Virgilio Rey Dureza Jr. | digital services: Viva Communications |
Fiona Endangan | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Susan Episcope | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications (as Susan C. Episcope) |
Kyndler Escio | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Miguel Esmeralda | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Juan Miguel Esmeralda) |
Marinella Anne Evalle | new media and business development: Viva Communications (as Marinela Anne Evalle) |
Ria Ruth Evangelista | multi-channel network: Viva Communications |
Joseph Rabbi Fernan | multi-channel network: Viva Communications |
Moises Fernandez | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Charlotte Furigay | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Lemuel Garcia | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Joseph Gavine | digital production specialist: Vivamax |
Melvyn Mitchell Germono | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Melvyn Germono) |
Baby Gil | corporate public relations: Viva Communications |
Joshue Gonzales | medic: CarePlus Ambulance |
Trisha Ann Gozo | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Loty Hablado | social media specialist: Vivamax |
Allan Hernandez | digital marketing: Viva Communications (as Allan P. Hernandez) |
Dianna Jean Hernandez | head of content operations: Vivamax (as Diana Jean H. Nomorosa) |
Stephanie Gwyn Ilaguison | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Ma. Cristina Jaluage | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications (as Cristina Jaluage) |
Barbara Javier | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Barbie Anne Javier) |
Peter Justin Juan | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Sarah Lageler | manager: Blackbox Studios |
Iris Lee | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Leigh Legaspi | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Mariel Shereen Lim | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Ibrasil Lipaygo | regional sales manager: Vivamax |
Manuel Lladoc III | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Arleen Lopez | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
JP Lopez | acting coach (as Juan Gabriel Lopez) |
Anne Guinevere Maaño | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Juan Dondino Manganar | assistant vice president for partner marketing and engagement: Vivamax |
Angelica Mantilla | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Glenmar Marco | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Alyce Matias | senior accountant: Vivamax |
Mercedita Mendiola | cook: Bon Events by Ambon Mendiola (as Marcedita Mendiola) |
Holly Mendoza | content operations assistant: Vivamax |
Zane Mendoza | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Andrea Joy Mendres | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Ricardo Mesa | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Ana Gloria Mones | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Ana Mones) |
Jay Montelibano | integrated sales: Viva Communications |
Jasmin Roselle M. Monton | content operations assistant: Vivamax |
Fay Gabrielle Mosquera | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Arnel Nacario | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Vladimir Josef B. Navalta | copywriter: Vivamax |
Rema Mae Nunes | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
James Nusog | digital production specialist: Vivamax |
Anabelle L. Offemaria | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Shaira May Ofianga | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Adele Ann Oqueriza | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as AJ Oqueriza) |
Alexandra Nicole Orgasan | content operations assistant: Vivamax |
JM Parfan | multi-channel network: Viva Communications (as Juan Miguel Parfan) |
Ferlin Parreno-Buenviaje | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications (as Ferlin Buenviaje) |
Miqaella Paz | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Silvino Pingkian | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Anna Bess Pingol | finance department: Viva Communications |
Celbert Policarpio | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Pebbles Posadas | integrated sales: Viva Communications |
Marc Anthony Quieng | multi-channel network: Viva Communications (as Marc Quieng) |
Princess Ramos | senior accountant: Vivamax |
Dionna Rances | integrated sales: Viva Communications |
Avegail Raquipiso | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Micah Letada Redito | new media and business development: Viva Communications (as Micah Redito) |
Irene Regala | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Mark Retonal | food assistant: Bon Events by Ambon Mendiola |
Christiane Dior Reyes | multi-channel network: Viva Communications |
Ma. Anna Krynessa Rivera | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Anna Manansala) |
Reister Robles | medic: CarePlus Ambulance |
Lyrmyr Vangene Roxas | content publishing supervisor: Vivamax (as Lyrmyr Vangene M. Roxas) |
Jimmy Sacote | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Marlon Henry Sagad | regional sales manager: Vivamax |
Lyniel Faith Salinas | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Hamlet Samia | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
John Paulo Santos | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Janreef Saplaco | multi-channel network: Viva Communications |
Janina Myrel Sasis | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Mercy Korina Siahingco | finance department: Viva Communications |
Christia Zekiah T. Siason | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications (as Christia Zekiah Siason) |
Joanna Fiel Simbre | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Fiel Simbre) |
Marivi Soberano | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Lea Cassandra D. Solas | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Lei Solas) |
Joyce Ann Sosa | digital services: Viva Communications |
Emerald Suarez | production and creative services: Viva Communications (as Emerald Suarez-Reyes) |
Darla Mae Sumalinog | new media and business development: Viva Communications (as Darla Maey Sumalinog) |
Jaztine Annette Sunga | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Angela Joy Sy | partner marketing coordinator: Vivamax (as Angela Sy) |
Sherry Mae Tadeja | new media and business development: Viva Communications |
Deo Tejada | production and creative services: Viva Communications |
Mary Joy Trinidad | digital services: Viva Communications |
Farra May Uson | digital services: Viva Communications |
Miyuki Usui | partner marketing assistant manager: Vivamax |
Carl Lewis Valencia | content operations assistant: Vivamax (as Carl Lewis B. Valencia) |
Jesse Vargas | digital marketing specialist: Vivamax |
Omar Villaluz | integrated sales: Viva Communications |
Marjorie Joy Zapanta | finance department: Viva Communications / head of finance and administration: Vivamax |
Jenna Lois Zarate | theatrical sales distribution and marketing: Viva Communications |
Full Movie:
