Just my own opinion, Nokturno has its strengths, particularly in its atmospheric visuals and eerie exploration of Filipino folklore, but it falls short of becoming a truly gripping horror experience. Director Mikhail Red captures the haunting allure of Filipino mythology through the kumakatok, mysterious figures who curse those who respond to their ominous knocks. This folklore twist provides a refreshing angle for horror fans, and the film's visual style effectively conjures a chilling sense of dread.
Nadine Lustre's portrayal of Jamie, a woman torn between her life abroad and her haunted hometown, is a highlight. Her performance adds depth to the narrative, especially as she navigates familial tensions and personal trauma. Yet, despite Lustre's and the other cast like Eula, Bea, Wilbert's strong portrayal, the film's pacing feels uneven. Although the cinematography is Top notch, my only problem is the darkish color grading, it just hurts my eyes. Also the slow buildup sometimes overshadows the suspense, leaving key scenes feeling a bit drawn out or underwhelming.
Nokturno also touches on themes of guilt, family loyalty, and escape, which enrich the storyline but don't always reach their full emotional potential due to somewhat limited character development. In the end, while Nokturno offers an intriguing, folklore-rich horror experience, it struggles to sustain the intensity needed to make it a standout. For those intrigued by cultural horror, it's a worthy watch-but not one that hits the horror genre's peak.
