I.

Heading
Vergara, Jannie Leila N.
Seklusyon
Erik Matti
Horror Thriller
II. Introduction
Seklusyon is a period horror film set in the 1940’s that follows the story a deacon
named MIGUEL (Ronnie Alonte) along with three other deacons (Dominic Roque, John
Vid De Guzman and JR Versales) who just started the practice of SEKLUSYON
(seclusion), an old ritual done by the Catholic church where aspiring priests are sent in a
secluded area on the last seven days of their training to test their wills and shield them
also from the evils of the world.
It is said the Devil’s temptation is the greatest during the final days of the
deaconate before one is ordained as a Priest. And this is the premise of the whole story as
well as their uncanny connection with a young girl named ANGHELA or NGAHELA
(Rhed Bustamante) who is said to have the power to heal and her mysterious nun
guardian SR. CECILIA (Phoebe Walker).
It is directed by a veteran director, Erik Matti who has had several hit movies
under his belt.
From the initial feedback of early viewers, it delivers a higher level of horror you
would expect from the film series. It is guaranteed to get audiences screaming.
As for Seklusyon, I only wished for more build-up on the characters of Angela,
Sr. Cecilia and Miguel (that would have made this film phenomenal). I also wished that
the revelation of the real identity of Anghela could have been made much later in the film
(as in the last 5 or 10 minutes) since I have already become so attached with the character
of Sr. Cecilia as the “you know who” in the story – that could’ve been very scary. The
manner of revelation could have been more climactic as well.
However, the over-all production value of the film – from the musical score and
cinematography – makes it one of the most thought-off local horror film.
Yes, there were some flaws in the film, but compared to the other local horror
flicks that I’ve watched – this one is something worth having as part of anyone’s movie
library.

III. Plot Synopsis

The film is set in 1947. It depicts an old practice where deacons or those aspiring
to be priests, are sent to a remote convent to live in seclusion on the last seven days of
their training. The purpose is to shield them from the evil of the world. The plot thickens
when a mysterious young girl comes to the convent. But the question is whether she is
really sent by God or by the Devil. This is the challenge that awaits the candidates.
 Seklusyon closes in as a film that could have been great, but terribly missed. It
was ultimately lost and confused by its own making, like its characters and audience who
are all painfully searching for a way out.
IV. Critique/Review
As with other film projects of Director Erik Matti, SEKLUSYON is something
that is out of the ordinary. Yes, it is a horror movie but it is riddled with a lot of
symbolism with most of them having to do with religious conflicts and issues that many
would not tackle as a subject for an MMFF entry.
However, you’ll have to go deeper than usual and immerse on the experience of
the whole film to understand the messages that the makers of the film want to convey.
The inner message of the film and its moral values associated can be interpreted
differently. As for me, the message of the film is to have a deep faith in the Lord, focus
on your goals and don’t be tempted by false prophets.
I usually don’t like horror films with religious overtones or with demons as the
main villains (I prefer ghosts), but I really liked the fact that Seklusyon is scary and is not
just a bunch of jump scares and booming sound effects.
The story has just the right amount of twists too, to keep audiences hooked and
wondering what is going on before connecting everything at the end.
V. Visual Elements
It is really a good movie to watch. The sepia-toned film features slow-moving
religious statues creeping towards the deacons in their sleep, burgeoning sound effects to
unsettle and alarm, and of course, good, old-fashioned great acting and pacing as the
story unfolds.
Interesting camera angles and shots, especially in the part of Ronnie Alonte
(Miguel) while he was running away from Rhed Bustmante (Anghela) in the woods.
The setting they chose made the film looked like they are in an isolated area, with
the help of the good lighting.

VI. Conclusion
Seklusyon does not rely on special effects or suggestive screenplay and musical
score to make us scare but works on the plot of the characters and ambience of the film
that will make you believe that there is an evil on it. Production value at its best from
editing, production design, cinematography and musical scoring. All of it blend together
with a unique story line to thrilled us and give this quality horror film that we don't
usually see on our local films. A good catch to watch this Christmas.
I know that traditionally, MMFF is something for the whole family and the good
horror films are usually shown around the Undas. But if you’re looking for a scare this
 Christmas, Seklusyon is the only horror movie available and I’m only thankful that it’s a
good one.
It’s a good movie to watch with a large group of friends for the teasing and
whatnot. Good acting, great horror scenes, and an organized story is sure to keep you
hooked with eyes wide open.
I give it a score of 8, and I hope the other films in this year’s MMFF lineup will
be around the same rating.

REFERENCES:
http://www.psst.ph/seklusyon-sneak-peek/
http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/review-seklusyon-depicts-evil-in-most-charming-
form/