Filipino filmmaker Mikhail Red is taking another stab at the horror genre with his latest feature, “Lilim,” set for release in 2024. A teaser has been unveiled.
The film, which marks Red’s return to horror following his success with “Deleter,” which is one of the highest grossing Filipino horror films, and the upcoming “Nokturno,” has a narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of 1970s and 1980s Philippines. It follows the harrowing journey of a sister and brother who seek sanctuary in a secluded orphanage during a period of social unrest and enigmatic disappearances. What begins as a refuge quickly descends into a nightmare as the siblings uncover dark cult practices and confront an ancient evil lurking beneath the surface.
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The project represents a significant milestone for Red, as it marks his first collaboration with his father, Raymond Red. The elder Red, renowned for his experimental super8 shorts in the 1980s and his Palme d’Or-winning short film “Anino,” takes on the role of cinematographer. His expertise is expected to lend authenticity to the film’s period aesthetic, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the era he knows intimately.
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Adding to the family affair, Mikhail’s brother, Nikolas Red, penned the screenplay. This intergenerational collaboration brings together diverse influences and styles, with Mikhail expressing pride in the collective achievement and the learning experience it has afforded.
The cast of “Lilim” boasts a mix of established actors and fresh faces, a trademark of Red’s filmmaking approach. Heaven Peralejo (“Nanahimik Ang Gabi”) takes on the lead role of Issa, marking her first major foray into the horror genre. The film also features Eula Valdez, reuniting with Red after their work on “Neomanila” and the upcoming “Nokturno,” as well as Mon Confiado, known for his roles in “Arisaka” and other notable productions.
Ryza Cenon, recognized for her work in the horror film “The Woman in Unit 23B,” joins the cast in a role that required her to shave her head completely. Red teases a “twisted scene” featuring Cenon that he anticipates sharing with audiences.
The director also highlights the performances of the child actors cast through auditions, including Skywalker David in his feature film debut.
Behind the scenes, Red reunites with line producer Micah Tadena, who previously worked on his horror hit “Eerie,” which premiered at the Singapore International Film Festival in 2018.
“Lilim” is the second feature from Evolve Studios, the production company Red co-founded following the success of “Deleter.” Viva Films and Studio Viva are the other production companies behind the film.
“I wanted to make a film about a hidden society sheltering from the encroaching oppression of the times, only to collapse and fall victim to their own beliefs, a society shackled by fear and by fanaticism, mirroring the very world it tries to escape,” Red told Variety. “It is also my first horror film seen through the eyes of children. ‘Lilim’ is a bigger and more ambitious production compared to ‘Deleter’ and ‘Nokturno,’ with more complex sequences, perspectives and characters, production was quite challenging for us being a period set film.”
Watch the teaser here: