Shake Rattle and Roll 12

Jerrold Tarog truly shines with the Punerarya episode, crafting a unique horror story that goes beyond cheap scares. Anchored by standout performances from Sid Lucero, Carla Abellana, and Nash Aguas, Punerarya builds a chilling atmosphere and delivers unexpected twists that make it not only one of the best entries in the Shake, Rattle & Roll series but also one of my favorite 'creature features' in Pinoy horror.

However, it's unfortunate that Tarog's subsequent projects under the SSR banner haven't quite matched the brilliance of Punerarya. Take Mukbang, for example-a film that, despite its larger budget and more extensive 'viral' cast, felt overly ambitious and ultimately missed the mark. It was a stark contrast to his first SRR entry, which, with a smaller budget and limited locations, still managed to pack a punch and leave a lasting impact.

I hope Tarog gets his groove back and remembers that you don't need an extensive cast or virality to make quality, entertaining films. Punerarya proved that with the right vision, even the simplest of setups can lead to greatness. Here's hoping he returns to his roots and creates more films like this-ones that are both smart and captivating, and remind us why we fell in love with his filmmaking in the first place.