Jack Quaid (The Boys) takes on his most adrenaline-fueled role yet in Novocaine, playing Nathan Caine—a man who literally cannot feel pain. But when the love of his life, played by Amber Midthunder, is kidnapped, Nate transforms his unique condition into his greatest weapon in a relentless fight to rescue her.
No Pain, All Gain
In the newly released featurette, No Pain, All Gain, Quaid teases the film’s high-energy action and unexpected humor.
“The fun of this movie is watching [Nathan Caine] get his butt kicked,” says Quaid in the new “No Pain, All Gain” featurette, “but he doesn’t feel any of it.”
Joining him in the behind-the-scenes look are costars Amber Midthunder and Jacob Batalon, who reveal why Novocaine is an absolute must-watch for action lovers. With thrilling fight sequences, high-stakes drama, and a touch of heart, this film is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Feel Every Intense Moment
Brace yourself for an electrifying cinematic ride when Novocaine opens in Philippine cinemas on March 12, 2025. Don’t miss out—join the conversation online using #Novocaine and tag @paramountpicsph!
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
The wait is over! Tickets for A Minecraft Movie—the first-ever live-action adaptation of the world’s best-selling video game—are now on sale. Starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black, this epic adventure will hit cinemas exclusively on April 2, 2025.
Brace yourself for a world where imagination isn’t just an advantage—it’s the key to survival.
A Portal to the Overworld
Meet four unlikely heroes: Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers), and Dawn (Danielle Brooks). Just as they’re grappling with everyday struggles, fate throws them through a mysterious portal into the Overworld—a vast, blocky universe built on creativity and endless possibilities.
But danger lurks in the shadows. From relentless Piglins to terrifying Zombies, these misfits must master the art of crafting to survive. Luckily, they’re not alone. Enter Steve (Jack Black), the ultimate Minecraft expert, who will guide them through a quest unlike any other. Together, they must uncover their true potential—not just to escape, but to protect a world that needs them.
An All-Star Cast Brings Minecraft to Life
Directed by Jared Hess (Nacho Libre, Ninety-Five Senses), A Minecraft Movie brings an incredible lineup of stars:
Fans of Minecraft, adventure, and epic storytelling—this is your moment! Experience the magic, the mystery, and the mayhem on the biggest screen possible.
Start crafting your plans because A Minecraft Movie is about to break new ground!
A remake of the 1922 F. W. Murnau film ‘Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror,’ which is a loose adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel ‘Dracula,’ Robert Eggers ‘Nosferatu’ is a gorgeously filmed gothic horror that is exquisitely directed, balancing fear, sensuality, and whimsy in equal measure. With exceptional cinematography by Jarin Blaschke and delicate editing by Louise Ford, the film vacillates from beauty to horror seamlessly. As the original film is loosely based on Bram Stoker’s popular story, the narrative is very familiar but there are modern touches that creates a reflection of modern issues as well.
The film is set in the early 1800s in Germany, and a young woman, Ellen prays for some being to rid her of her loneliness. This call manages to awaken a dark, malevolent spirit who promises to be with her forever. We cut to much later, when Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) is now married to Thomas (Nicholas Hoult). They love each other very much, their first scene together shows them incapable of separating, even if he is late for work.
Thomas ends up at his office and his boss, Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), offers him an unusual opportunity. He requests that Thomas acts as solicitor to Count Orlok of the Carpathians, a whole 6-week travel away. He is to broker the sale of an old, decrepit mansion in Wisburg, where they live. If Thomas makes the journey, he will be given a huge bonus and a promotion at work. Ellen is against this, though, as she has been having dreams, but Thomas is insistent. Ellen stays with her rich friend Anna (Emma Corrin) and her husband, Friedrich (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) while Thomas makes the journey. But we all know that Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) is a vampire, and he holds Thomas captive in his castle while he makes his way to Wisburg to be closer to Ellen. The closer he gets; the more Ellen suffers manic fits and hallucinations. She is then introduced to a brilliant but ostracized doctor, Doctor Von Franz (Willem Dafoe), who is connects her mania with a dark, sinister evil approaching Wisburg.
Most of the plot points are very similar to that of ‘Dracula,’ so the story is nothing new. But what Eggers suffuses with his film is the highly erotic nature of Ellen’s connection to both Thomas and Count Orlok. The sound design of the film is exquisite, amplifying the hard intake and release of breaths that, in scenes where the characters are experiencing great stress, if you close your eyes, it could sound sexual in nature. Even when Count Orlok drains his victims of blood, he straddles over them, both writhing, that one cannot help but think of the erotic.
In Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu,’ Ellen is a victim but not of Count Orlok but by her own innocent call for companionship. Unaware of her own power, she sends out a prayer to the angels but instead conjures up a demon. Her own power leads her to have fits and seizures, marking her as an outcast, someone different and strange. Regarded as an oddity, it feels connected to her call for help and has led her to vulnerable to such a being like Count Orlok. Count Orlok then uses great wealth and power to corrupt the people around him – Herr Knock, for example – to extend his reach and access the vulnerable.
In other version of the Dracula story that I’ve seen, the emphasis had always been on the vampiric and supernatural nature of the demon. While Eggers is not above filling his film’s world with the supernatural and the occult, but the real-world metaphors rise to the surface and become painfully apparent. Count Orlok is a vampire in the movie, the metaphor stands of people in power who act as predators and gain access to the vulnerable by people who are eager to have a taste of that power and richness.
And while the composition, editing, production and costume design is exceptional, I love how ‘Nosferatu’ is not afraid to lean into its silliness and how the whole cast is fully committed to this world and seamlessly allowing themselves to fully imbibe the gothic horror and the camp that can come with it. By never taking itself too seriously, we see the work for what it is and marvel at each well-executed part while still enjoying the whole, which is completely familiar to us as well.
Eggers has shown from this and his previous films – ‘The Witch’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ – that he is truly a master of tone, creating horror and dread through gorgeous imagery, while unafraid to being both literary and flighty in equal measure.
My Rating:
Nosferatu is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
The wait is over! The highly anticipated sequel, Ne Zha 2, is finally hitting Philippine cinemas on March 12. This action-packed animated epic has shattered records worldwide, grossing a staggering US$1.9 billion, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It’s also the first non-American, non-English language animated film to achieve this milestone, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
Not only that, but Ne Zha 2 holds the record for the highest-grossing film in a single territory, achieving this feat in under two weeks.
The Story Continues: A Battle Between Fire and Ice
Picking up where Ne Zha left off, the sequel follows Ne Zha and Ao Bing, who, after being struck down by heavenly lightning, survive as spirits. Thanks to Ne Zha’s mentor, Master Taiyi, their physical forms are restored using the Sacred Lotus. But as they recover, a new danger threatens to disrupt the balance of the realms.
As reincarnations of two opposing forces from the Chaos Pearl, Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s destinies are deeply intertwined.
Ne Zha – Born of the Demon Orb, he wields fire-based powers that match his impulsive and rebellious personality.
Ao Bing – Born of the Spirit Pearl, he controls ice-based abilities, reflecting his calm and noble nature.
Together, they must rise to the challenge and face formidable threats that could reshape their world forever.
Mark Your Calendars – March 12!
Experience the breathtaking animation, spectacular action sequences, and rich mythology that have captivated audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the legend, Ne Zha 2 promises an unforgettable cinematic experience.
March 12 – The battle begins in Philippine cinemas. Are you ready?
Film lovers, take note! Another must-watch, critically acclaimed masterpiece is making its way to the Philippines. Ayala Malls Cinemas is exclusively bringing The Brutalist to the big screen starting March 5—perfect timing as the 2025 Academy Awards approaches!
A Film That’s Winning Big This Awards Season
From the Critics’ Choice Awards to the Golden Globes, The Brutalist has been sweeping major film festivals, securing top honors like Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. With multiple nominations for the upcoming Academy Awards, this film is a must-see for cinephiles and awards-season followers alike.
A Story of Art, Ambition, and the Price of Success
The film follows Hungarian architect László Toth (Adrien Brody), who flees a war-torn Europe to rebuild his life and career in America. His visionary designs catch the eye of wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), setting László on a path of rising fame—but at what cost?
With its stunning cinematography by Lol Crawley and exquisite production design by Judy Becker, The Brutalist is both visually and emotionally striking.
Critics Are Raving About The Brutalist
The Guardian calls it “It is an electrifying piece of work, stunningly shot by cinematographer Lol Crawley and superbly designed by Judy Becker. I emerged from this movie light-headed and euphoric, dizzy with rubbernecking at its monumental vastness.”superbly designed.”
The Hollywood Reporter hails Adrien Brody’s performance, saying, “Brody has seldom been better, bringing tremendous gravitas but also a pain that gnaws at László’s prideful sense of self, one of purpose and destiny.”
Experience the Best of Awards Season at Ayala Malls Cinemas
The Brutalist joins a stellar lineup of Academy Award-nominated films, including Anora and A Room Next Door, exclusively showing at Ayala Malls Cinemas.
Pair this world-class cinema experience with:
Luxurious seats for maximum comfort
Dolby Atmos sound technology for immersive audio
Delicious snacks & beverages from The Movie Snackbar
Book Your Tickets & Stay Updated!
Don’t miss this exclusive screening! Follow Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram for updates and ticket details.
Watch The Brutalist starting March 5—only at Ayala Malls Cinemas!
Because it is based on a 1980 short story by Stephen King and directed and written by Osgood Perkins who gave us such frightening movies like ‘Longlegs,’ I was quite pleasantly surprised that ‘The Monkey’ is as hilarious as it is creepy. The film takes great joy in the irony and the gruesome nature of the deaths that happen in the story. It takes a comic approach to make large-scale set ups that maximizes brutal scenes of accidental murder. Unlike ‘Longlegs’ where Perkins disturbs us with a slow build-up of tension and dread, ‘The Monkey’ is in-you-face with the violence. You know it’s coming, and the outrageousness of its execution and the extremity of its bloody effects are what makes you laugh. The horror is the idea of how and why it is happening.
At the heart of the story is the relationship of twin brothers, Hal and Bill Shelburn. The two couldn’t be more opposite of each other. Bill is a horrible bully and takes pride in torturing his younger brother. Hal is kinder, softer, and does not know how to fight back. Their father is missing all their lives and their mother takes a more care-free, free-spirited approach to raising her two boys. The twins do enjoy going over their father’s stuff as he happens to have been a hoarder and a collector of an eclectic items from all over the world. This includes a toy monkey that never goes away and, if you wind it up, ends up killing someone randomly in the most horrible of ways possible.
Traumatized by the first accidental killing, Hal realises the monkey is to blame somehow. He then tries to use the monkey to kill Bill but the monkey “doesn’t take requests.” The death sends the twins into a tragedy that forces them to throw away the toy down a well and have been estranged ever since.
BTS THE MONKEY Osgood Perkins and Theo James Courtesy of NEON
Now grown-up, Hal trying to live a quiet, peaceful life. The trauma of his experience with the monkey has left him isolated and introverted and will only see his son once a year, for his son’s safety. But on their visit, he is told his aunt is dead and he must reclaim her things and one of them is the monkey. Suddenly, Hal’s old hometown is experiencing a slew of outrageous accidental deaths, and he knows the monkey is loose and someone is winding him up.
THE MONKEY Courtesy of NEON
Through the narration of Hal, the film takes on a cynical and jaded look at the world that gives a world view that everyone is essentially mean and cruel. It seems that Hal is the only person who is trying to protect people, and this even puts a wedge between him and his son, Petey. Despite how bad things get, and how awful people turn out to be, Hal is desperately trying to stay sane and good.
THE MONKEY Courtesy of NEON
It’s quite an interesting little dark fable that is a refreshing take on the demonic toy narrative. By leaning into its humor, it finds a new one to be enjoyable. It’s still creepy – just the design of the toy monkey is enough to send shivers down your spine – and the way Perkins shoots the toy creates enough horror to amplify the terrifying thought that the world is filled with bad people.
THE MONKEY Courtesy of NEON
I’ve never been a big fan of Theo James as an actor, but he fits so well playing the double role of Hal and Bill, the older versions. Both characters are so different from each other and James manages to create a texture for both that suits the tone of the film so well. Playing the younger version, Christian Convery does an excellent job playing Hal but doesn’t let his Bill because as scary and as sinister as he could be. It’s such a joy to see Tatiana Maslany on the big screen. I’m a huge fan of her because of her work in ‘Orphan Black’ and playing the role of the twins’ mother allows a special place for both warmth and recklessness. She’s a bitter woman who is trying her best to save whatever love she still has for her kids. It’s such a nuanced performance that it helps ground the film despite its strangeness.
‘The Monkey’ is a fun little twist that I could use a bit more of these days. It’s nice to see a horror film have a lot of fun with its audience and its own self.
My Rating:
The Monkey is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
From the visionary mind behind Parasite comes Mickey 17, Bong Joon Ho’s much-anticipated return to the director’s chair. Starring Robert Pattinson in a mind-bending sci-fi thriller, the film hits Philippine cinemas on March 5, 2025.
Bong Joon Ho on the Novel That Captivated Him
The Oscar-winning director was immediately drawn to Mickey 7, Edward Ashton’s novel on which the film is based. Bong described the concept of human printing—a unique twist on cloning—as instantly fascinating.
“I thought that it had such a unique concept, which is human printing, and that’s very different from human cloning,” says the filmmaker. “It’s like you’re printing out humans as if human beings are just pieces of paper, documents to be printed out. And I thought that human printing – even in the expression itself – we could sense the tragedy of that condition and that profession. And so, I started thinking about what it would be like to actually be that person being printed out. All these thoughts came to me and I was completely in that world instantly.”
“Even in the original novel, Mickey is quite an average person… but I wanted to make him even more average, even lower class, even more of a loser,” says Bong. “And so, all these ideas for adapting the story came to me instantly. I was fascinated by the concept of human printing and just captivated by the character of Mickey, who is not a superhero, who is this everyman, normal, average man going through this crazy journey.”
Robert Pattinson on Working With Bong Joon Ho
For Pattinson, taking on the role of Mickey was an easy decision. He praised Bong’s filmmaking prowess, calling him “a filmmaker every actor dreams of working with.”
On reading the script, Pattinson recalls, “It’s one of those scripts where I haven’t read anything like it in a long time, and I don’t think I’ll ever read anything like it again. Then to know that it’s someone with his level of pedigree coming to this script which, in some ways, is also like a sci-fi farce.”
“Actually, I have no idea how to describe it to people at all. Even just the beginning: ‘So, it’s about a pastry chef in the future. He has a macaron shop. And he takes out a very risky loan with loan sharks and then he gets onto a mission to space, where he gets reprinted over and over again.’ [Laughs] You go off the rails almost immediately trying to describe it. At first, I thought it was a risk, but as soon as I started doing it, it didn’t feel like a risk at all. Bong just has such extreme certainty about what he wants to shoot and so much confidence that you get into his rhythms really quickly.”
A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Experience
Mickey 17 follows unlikely hero Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), a disposable employee on a deep-space mission where dying is just part of the job. Each time he perishes, his employer simply prints out a new version of him. But when Mickey realizes he doesn’t want to be replaced, things spiral into chaos.
The film boasts a powerhouse cast, including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. Produced by the award-winning team behind Moonlight and 12 Years a Slave, Mickey 17 promises a gripping, visually stunning, and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Catch Mickey 17 in Cinemas on March 5!
Get ready for a sci-fi journey unlike any other! Don’t miss Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho, and starring Robert Pattinson, in Philippine cinemas on March 5, 2025. Join the conversation! Use the hashtag #Mickey17
This week’s new movie lineup is all about music, romance, and spine-chilling thrills! Timothée Chalamet steps into the shoes of a music icon in A Complete Unknown, while Everything About My Wife brings the laughs with Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, and Sam Milby. Gothic horror takes center stage in Nosferatu, delivering eerie chills, while Secret: Untold Melody blends romance, fantasy, and music for a magical love story. Drama unfolds in Sing Sing, a powerful tale of resilience starring Colman Domingo. And for eco-horror fans, Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana face off in The Caretakers. Ready to plan your cinema trip? Grab your movie squad, load up on extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-watch films at a theater near you!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2025 • PG • 2 hrs 20 mins DRAMA, MUSIC BUY TICKETS
Set in the early 1960s, this biopic chronicles the journey of a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Chalamet) as he arrives in New York’s West Village. With his guitar in hand and revolutionary talent, Dylan forges relationships with musical icons, setting the stage to transform American music forever. Directed by James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown” has garnered critical acclaim, earning eight Academy Award nominations. Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan has been particularly lauded, with critics highlighting his magnetic performance. The film offers an intimate look into the life of a musical legend, making it a must-watch for both fans and newcomers alike.
In this delightful romantic comedy, an unhappily married man (Trillo) devises a plan to end his marriage by hiring a charming Casanova (Milby) to seduce his wife (Mercado). However, as he witnesses his wife’s interactions, he begins to see her in a new light, realizing the depth of his feelings and the gravity of his mistake. “Everything About My Wife” offers a humorous yet heartfelt exploration of love, marriage, and the complexities of relationships. The chemistry between the lead actors brings authenticity to the narrative, making it a relatable watch for many.
This gothic horror tale centers on a haunted young woman (Depp) and her terrifying entanglement with a mysterious vampire (Skarsgård). As their obsession grows, it unleashes untold horrors upon their world. Directed by Robert Eggers, “Nosferatu” is a reimagining of the classic vampire story, blending atmospheric tension with compelling performances. The film delves deep into themes of obsession and the supernatural, offering a fresh take on a timeless legend.
2025 • G • 1 hr 44 mins DRAMA, FANTASY, MUSIC, ROMANCE BUY TICKETS
A talented pianist (Kyung-soo) facing a creative slump encounters a mysterious woman (Jin-ah) playing an enigmatic melody. This chance meeting propels him into a journey of self-discovery, forcing him to make life-altering decisions. “Secret: Untold Melody” intertwines elements of fantasy and romance, underscored by a captivating musical score. The film explores the transformative power of music and love, resonating with those who have ever faced crossroads in their creative pursuits.
Divine G (Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, discovers purpose by joining a theater group composed of fellow inmates. Through the transformative power of art, they navigate the challenges of incarceration, finding resilience and humanity. “Sing Sing” is a poignant narrative that sheds light on the redemptive power of creativity within the confines of prison walls. The film offers a raw and authentic portrayal of life behind bars, emphasizing the importance of hope and artistic expression.
This eco-horror film centers on a fierce battle between two mothers, Audrey (Calzado) and Lydia (Romana), over the ownership of a piece of land. Audrey, from the city, arrives to claim the land her husband’s family owns, while Lydia, the caretaker, fiercely protects the land her family has occupied for years. “The Caretakers” delves into themes of heritage, environmentalism, and the supernatural. The intense performances by Calzado and Romana bring depth to this chilling tale, making it a standout in the horror genre.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
2025 • PG • 1 hr 50 mins ACTION, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY GET SHOWTIMES
So, there you have it – six exciting new movies hitting theaters this week! From action-packed thrillers to chilling horror flicks, heartwarming documentaries, and captivating animated adventures, there’s a film for every taste. Don’t miss out—check our Movie Section for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!
There is an unmistakable pandering nature to JP Habac’s ‘Ex Ex Lovers,’ a film that reunites the classic love team of Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal back in the big screen. The undeniable chemistry of the leads is the foundation that keeps the film afloat despite how the film seems to cater to revisiting the same energy they have established in previous films, almost two decades ago, like ‘Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?’ If nostalgia is all it was going for, I suppose that’s fine. It would be a fluffy film and that’s okay but underneath it all is a gorgeous film about marriage and accountability, and beyond its nostalgic temperament, Agustin and Magdangal showcase a maturity that is something completely refreshing and new and it’s a potential that is only reached in the final act of the film.
The story is about Joy (Magdangal), a single mother whose daughter, SC (Loisa Andalio), has just been proposed to by her boyfriend Joey (Juan Karlos Labajo). Wary of their young age, Joy tries to dissuade her daughter from marrying so young. After all, her husband, Ced (Agustin), is nowhere to be found and has left Joy with taking care and raising SC all by herself. When SC insists that her mom flies to Malta to fetch Ced so he can walk her down the aisle, Joy has to revisit all the pain and resentment brought upon by her marriage to Ced, while he still carries all of his love for her since then. Joy tries to get Ced to agree to delaying the wedding while Ced has his own agenda into getting back together with Joy.
It’s the perfect rom-com premise but the film’s set up can be quite cruel. Because Magdangal is charming and has that quality to draw you in, you’re on her side when she talks about the hardships, she’s faced having to raise SC alone because Ced just went up and left them. When she gets to Malta, she finds a hardworking man who is apologetic but still treats her as if time hadn’t passed and life hadn’t come and gone. Agustin lets lose all the old 90s energy, acting cute and ends up making Ced annoying and downright insensitive. It’s played for comedy – everything from the shots to the direction of the acting, to the music – but from the audience’s seat, it’s just an uncomfortable moment. All of Joy’s misgivings are valid but neither Ced nor SC seems to care.
So much so that when Joy acts up and treats Joey unkindly, she’s really meant to look like the bad guy despite how everybody is expecting Joy to just go along with everything that they want. At some point, I was getting very angry for Joy.
It’s the perfect rom-com premise but the film’s set up can be quite cruel. Because Magdangal is charming and has that quality to draw you in, you’re on her side when she talks about the hardships, she’s faced having to raise SC alone because Ced just went up and left them. When she gets to Malta, she finds a hardworking man who is apologetic but still treats her as if time hadn’t passed and life hadn’t come and gone. Agustin lets lose all the old 90s energy, acting cute and ends up making Ced annoying and downright insensitive. It’s played for comedy – everything from the shots to the direction of the acting, to the music – but from the audience’s seat, it’s just an uncomfortable moment. All of Joy’s misgivings are valid but neither Ced nor SC seems to care.
So much so that when Joy acts up and treats Joey unkindly, she’s really meant to look like the bad guy despite how everybody is expecting Joy to just go along with everything that they want. At some point, I was getting very angry for Joy.
Then the film turns in the 3rd act of the film, when screenwriters Antonette Jadaone and Kristine Gabriel switches things around and gives Joy a chance to speak up. The whole movie abruptly shifts tone, and Magdangal and Agustin step up to the plate to play the grown up and mature characters that feels more honest to who they are today, and the film ends up tackling bigger themes that it could have been wrestling with earlier. Maybe the shift of tone allows for a bigger impact in the third act? I don’t know. But it sure made it difficult to get hooked in until the film started to take Joy’s side of the matter.
Because Marvin and Jolina are just oozing with charisma and talent. There’s no question about that. But in the film’s attempt to harken to the nostalgia and old-school charms, it made them feel childish and silly, which made their characters and the struggles they faced seem trivial when it’s not. When the film allows the two to grow up and be adults, the humor is still present, the chemistry is still palpable, but they are able to accomplish so much more, including some very powerful statements about divorce.
I found the whole first two acts quite messy and chaotic. It’s appeal to nostalgia undermined a beautiful movie that still managed to find center stage at its final act. One thing is certain, though: and that the power of Marvin and Jolina is enduring and could really use another go.
My Rating:
Ex Ex Lovers is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
A new shadow creeps across the silver screen as visionary director Robert Eggers resurrects Nosferatu—his most personal film yet. “In many ways, my adaptation of Nosferatu is my most personal film. A story, not engendered by me, but one that I have lived with, within, and dreamed about since childhood. I often felt I had the same un-jaded creative spark of a first time filmmaker when finally making the film because of the years of thought I have put into it. I feel more fortunate than ever to have had the chance to make it with my trusted team of long-time collaborators,” Eggers shares. With an unrelenting passion for gothic horror and folklore, he breathes new life into the legendary vampire, crafting a tale that is both chilling and deeply emotional.
A Return to True Terror
Forget the suave, dinner-jacketed vampires of modern pop culture—Eggers reaches back to the roots of ancient folklore, where the vampire was a harbinger of disease, death, and primal fear. “The folk vampire is not a suave dinner-coat-wearing seducer, nor a sparkling, brooding hero. The folk vampire embodies disease, death, and sex in a base, brutal, and unforgiving way. This is the vampire I wanted to exhume for a modern audience,” he explains.
Set in the mist-laden town of Wisburg, Germany, the story follows Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), a young woman plagued by visions of an ancient, nightmarish entity—Nosferatu (Bill Skarsgård). As his obsession tightens around her, the town descends into terror, spiraling into a darkness from which few may escape.
A Tale That Took Decades to Make
Eggers’ obsession with Nosferatu began in childhood when he fell under the spell of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent classic, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. He first attempted an adaptation in high school, but the dream of making it lingered for decades. After crafting horror masterpieces like The Witch and The Lighthouse, he finally returned to his passion project.
“As an evolution of the story, the thing that is most significant is that this is Ellen’s film. She is a victim not only of the vampire, but of nineteenth century society,” says Eggers.
Lily-Rose Depp: A Star Meant for Horror
Finding the perfect Ellen was crucial. According to Eggers, Lily-Rose Depp’s audition was so powerful that everyone in the room was moved to tears. “Her audition was so strong. I was crying, the casting director was crying, the videographer was crying. It was clear she was going to be powerful as this character,” Eggers recalls.
For Depp, the film’s horror stems from its unsettling realism. “There’s something about this script and this movie that feels very real, visceral, and human, which is interesting because we’re talking about demons, and ghosts, and this other realm. That’s what I think is the scariest part about the movie: just how real the nightmares are,” says Depp.
Prepare for Pure Horror
A haunting blend of gothic horror and psychological depth, Nosferatu promises to grip audiences with its eerie atmosphere and unrelenting dread.
The horror unfolds in Philippine cinemas starting February 26. Follow Universal Pictures PH in Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for exclusive updates.
