New Stages, New Phases: PH Film Industry Enters Another Era

By Jessa Mae Gabalones

The curtains are closing on the old themes of Filipino films. Just as the encore finishes, the Philippines welcomes a new style to the stage—one that strays away from the usual family drama, love affairs, and criminal action often seen on the big screen.

Over the years, the Filipino film scene came to be dominated by classic movies about drama, love, action, and occasional comedy. As 2022 came near its end, Pinoy films have found new horizons as they explored themes of mental health mixed with techno-horror, historical romcom, and revenge sprinkled with murder mystery just enough to keep you clinging onto your seat.

To move the unmoved. Akin to ocean waves,

Deleter (2022), directed by Mikhail Red, caused ripples to rip through peaceful waters— leaving its audience with a lasting impression of just the right mix of disturbance and awe.

Deleter follows the story of Lyra, an online content moderator, and how she slowly descends to madness. The movie implies subtle hints of mental illness and trauma through a series of flashbacks that uncover the main character’s past.

Lyra, who seems desensitized by everything cruel found on the internet, gets triggered by coming across footage of her co-worker committing suicide. This event signals the start of chaos in both her personal and work life.

Through the use of technology throughout the film, Mikhail Red managed to capture the essence of psychological thriller/horror while tackling modern issues such as mental health and power abuse in the workplace.

The film ends with Lyra grappling to escape both her trauma and what seems to be a supernatural force. Hence, leaving the audience haunted by the movie and by the weight mental trauma may carry.

Deleter (2022) indeed came in a sudden wave, disturbing not only the genre’s peaceful repose but also unnerving even the calmest of watchers.

To retell the tale.

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are classic pieces of Filipino literature that have