The Monster in Unit 23b (Ang manananggal sa nit 23b)

Philippines/ 2016/ 95 mins

Filipino & Tagalog with English subtitles

Jewel is a mysterious woman who lives alone in the city. She has a secret which has led her to settle into a lonely existence. That is, until she meets Nico, a broken-hearted, down-and-out guy who also feels unlovable like she does. Jewel is torn between wanting to love him and wanting to save him from herself. Will he accept her if he knew the truth about her? Can she ever find love, or is she destined to be alone forever?

During her frequent bouts of loneliness, Jewel (Ryza Cenon) watches TV, switching from the news show that covers the regular grisly killings of drug dealers to her favorite romantic soap opera. It seems Jewel’s attention is as divided as her identity.

A sweet girl who keeps a harmless turtle as her choice of pet during the day, she transforms into a manananggal at night, luring random men in heat before literally devouring their hearts.

Prime Cruz’s The Monster in Unit 23B is also as divided as its atypical heroine. The film is a gruesome horror only in parts. Its greatest conceit is that it is also and predominantly a romance, one whose primary anguish is the nearly impossible struggle to make two incongruent parts a beautiful whole.

The film is quite gorgeously crafted. Tey Clamor’s camerawork is crisp and easy on the eyes. The editing by Galileo Te is fluid and unrushed, which allows each handsomely framed shot to bleed with even the subtlest of emotions. It is very easy to be hypnotized by the adorable grooves and beats of the film, which blend a very contemporary sensibility into a story that is as old as time.

The film however is more than just its clever slant on the romantic genre. Its political nuances resonate. The Monster in Unit 23B is that rare romance that does not just aspire for escape. It also subtly plants the seeds of dissent, all in the name of love.

Director: Prime Cruz
Music composed : Bryan Dumaguina
Screenplay: Jenilee Chuansu
Producers: Jun Lana, Percival Intalan

Trailer  :   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmOwI3mYHuU