From the Philippines’ House of Horror – Regal Entertainment Inc., and the Home of International Award-Winning Content – Rein Entertainment, comes this year’s unearthly cinematic movie event of 2025!
Starring Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana in their mothering performances, ‘The Caretakers‘ also features young stars Marco Masa, Ashley Sarmiento, Althea Ruedas, Erika Clemente, Erin Espiritu, and special participation from content creators Inka Magnaye and Jake Taylor.
‘The Caretakers‘ is currently showing in Philippine cinemas since February 26, 2025.
Movie Review
It’s my first time to catch the movie terminology “eco-horror” pertaining to horror-thriller movies that focuses on mother nature and the mysteries that goes with it, such as this one. On a more mainstream terminology, you can consider this an equivalent to a folk horror.
Whichever way, ‘The Caretakers‘ was able to successfully build on the premise of a provincial/countryside setting enveloped in mystery and seeming darkness. It’s slow-burn approach also highlighted the narrative and develop a fearful atmosphere for the story in general as directed by Shugo Praico.
While slow-burn movies are ordinarily not my cup of tea, it’s good that the ‘eerie‘ story development, and solid acting prowess of seasoned actress Iza Calzado was able to carry me through the first half of the movie. The latter part is where the pacing heightened as perhaps required by the story. The cast was also supported by another accomplished actress in Philippine cinema – Dimples Romana. The young actor Marco Masa‘s acting potential at such as young age, through his meaningful facial expressions, is also noteworthy.
Hold your horse as you reach the final scene, which for me, is the main highlight. You should catch it with keen eyes.
Iza and Dimples in their first full-length project together
Bringing their depth and experience to the screen, Iza and Dimples portray characters that challenge conventional hero and villain roles.
“Pareho kaming bida at kontrabida dito. Malalaman niyo nalang pag pinanuod niyo kung sino ang mas kontrabida!” Iza said. (We are both protagonists and antagonists here. You’ll only find out who is more of a villain once you watch the film!)
This marks their first time working together on the big screen. Both versatile actresses expressed excitement about collaborating on a film that blurs the lines between good and evil.
“Pareho kaming nag-aalaga. Nakatuon kami sa pamilya namin, pero patuloy din ang aming mga karera. Pero ang pangunahing prayoridad namin ay ang pamilya,” said Dimples. (As mothers, our priority is always family, no matter how demanding our careers are.)
There’s no place like home
At its core, The Caretakers explores the lengths one will go to protect their family and the idea of home. The film has themes that deeply resonant with both lead actresses.
Dimples emphasized the significance of caretakers in every household: “Kung paano kami mga ina na gagawin ang lahat para sa aming pamilya. Ang isa ay hinahabol ang pisikal na tahanan, ang isa naman ay seguridad. Parehong nais protektahan ang pamilya nila. (How we are mothers that will do everything for our families. One is after a physical home, the other one is after security. Both just wanting to save their families.)
A fresh collaboration
Regal Entertainment and Rein Entertainment join forces to deliver a fresh take on Filipino horror.
Under the leadership of Roselle Monteverde and Keith Monteverde, Regal continues its legacy of producing gripping horror films, while Rein Entertainment brings its expertise in internationally acclaimed storytelling.
Both Iza and Dimples share the burning passion of seeing how the new management of Ms. Roselle Monteverde and her son, Keith Monteverde, honors the legacy of the film production company’s late matriarch, Mother Lily Monteverde.
Inspired by supernatural lore and deep-rooted beliefs, The Caretakers taps into folk horror. Moreover, it’s about the unseen forces that dwell in the land we live on.
“Ang pelikula ay nagpapakita na hindi lang tayo ang nabubuhay sa mundong ito, kaya dapat natin itong igalang. Igalang natin ang lugar na ating tinitirhan at alagaan ito,” shared Roselle.
(The film also tells us that we are not the only ones living in this Earth, and we have to respect it. Respect the place where we live, take care of it.)
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