The movie Woman in the Woods from 2020 takes us on a suspenseful and haunting journey into the remote Philippine countryside. The film was written and directed by Kevin Paul dela Cruz and produced by IdeaFirst Company. It stars Ireno Alcala, Lotlot Bustamante, and Mercedes Cabral in the lead roles. The story follows two young sisters, Alma and Dolly, who are being raised by their grandmother. Alma, the older of the two, is secretly in love with their neighbor, Nestor, who is a soldier. Despite their grandmother's warning that their forest sanctuary is dangerous, the sisters often venture into the woods to gather firewood and berries.
One day, while in the woods, they come across a mysterious woman named Saleng, who lives alone in an abandoned shack deep in the forest. Saleng is a strange and enigmatic figure whose presence seems to unsettle Alma and Dolly. As they begin to spend more time with Saleng, they discover that she possesses a powerful gift that allows her to communicate with spirits.
As the sisters become more involved in Saleng's world, they begin to uncover dark and tragic secrets about their own past. They learn that their mother was killed in a mysterious accident in the woods, and that their father is serving time in prison for the crime. As their bond with Saleng grows, the sisters become determined to uncover the truth about what really happened to their mother and who is responsible.
The film's setting is both beautiful and eerie, with the dense forest creating a palpable sense of isolation and unease. The performances by the lead actresses are outstanding, with Lotlot Bustamante delivering a nuanced and powerful portrayal of Alma, and Mercedes Cabral creating a chilling and unforgettable character in Saleng.
One of the film's strengths is its use of Philippine folklore and mythology to create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. The spirits and supernatural elements that the characters encounter feel authentic and rooted in the culture of the region. The film also addresses important themes such as grief, family, and the power of connection.
Overall, Woman in the Woods is a brilliantly crafted and spooky film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a testament to the talent of Kevin Paul dela Cruz and the entire cast and crew, who have created a truly memorable and haunting piece of cinema.
Woman in the Woods is a 2021 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.6.