An animated film blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and Filipino folklore has recently premiered, offering a coming-of-age story set against a vibrant and kinetic backdrop. The narrative centers on two Filipino school friends, Jo and Raissa, who unexpectedly discover a portal to a demon-infested realm called Nakali. Voiced by R&B singer HER and actress Liza Soberano, respectively, the characters awaken on a beach within this mysterious world, suffering from amnesia regarding the previous day’s events. With the aid of Raww, a well-meaning but accident-prone weredog voiced by Dave Franco, they embark on a quest to reconstruct their fragmented memories.
The filmmakers, Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado—both with prior experience on animated projects such as Kung Fu Panda 2—draw inspiration from their own lives to shape the relationship between the two protagonists. The story juxtaposes the supernatural challenges faced in Nakali with the lived realities of the 1990s Philippines, using nostalgic cultural references such as charm bracelets, clips from the film Predator, a karaoke cover of Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” and vintage game-style graphics. Mercado, HER, and Soberano all share Filipino heritage, contributing to the film’s authentic portrayal of local folklore. The creatures that populate Nakali include traditional mythological figures such as the Tiyanak—a vampiric infant; the Manananggal, a frightful demon known for detaching its torso; and the Duwende—small but unfriendly dwarfs that inject moments of humor, particularly through Jo’s struggle to keep her distance in an amusing scene.
Ultimately, the film centers on the dynamic tension between Jo’s chaotic spirit and Raissa’s ambition as they approach the threshold of college life, offering an emotionally resonant reflection on adolescent friendship amid fantastical turmoil.
In addition, a separate film exploring the collapse of personal identity in the digital age has attracted attention for its experimental approach. Produced by Eduardo Sánchez, director of The Blair Witch Project, the film stars London-based influencer and aspiring performer Chiara King as a version of herself. The narrative follows King during a luxury trip to Copenhagen that she hopes will catalyze a film career. The film blurs the line between reality and performance, with King navigating encounters filmed by a Danish documentary crew under director Mike Nybroe—a meta-commentary on the evolving nature of identity in the social media era.
King’s past as a failed contestant on a reality music competition is referenced, underscoring the complexities of public and private personas in an online world. The film delves into themes of authenticity and self-representation, though its shift into a conventional horror plotline involving a psychopathic stalker has drawn mixed reactions. Despite this, King’s performance remains compelling in its ambiguity, oscillating between genuine portrayal and staged acting.
Both films contribute distinct perspectives on identity and transformation—one through a mythological, animated lens rooted in Filipino culture, and the other via a psychological exploration of modern digital life.