Is Malikmata Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the 2023 release of Malikmata stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Aling Nene, is pregnant and almost at her due date. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Aling Nene, is pregnant and almost at her due date. She’s cleaning the household while Tatay Rode and Elai, the eldest daughter is taking care of the harvest while the youngest son, Detoy is still asleep in their room. Aling Nene sees an “Aswang” near their house and starts to panic. She tells Tatay Rode about this but he shoves it off and laughs. At night, Elai and Tatay Rode argues about her future. While they sleep, Aling Nene dreams about the “Aswang” she saw in the woods. She wakes up from her dream. She hears the sound of the “Aswang” and immediately wakes up Tatay Rode and he’s about to give a fight. But then, the alleged “Aswang” turns to be real human soldiers who wants their house and lot for the Kaliwa Dam project. The two children runs off while Aling Nene tries to secure their future. The parents were killed trying to save their children. While the two finds out the truth when they got away from the soldiers. The future now lies in the hands of the two children."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Dianne Sulit provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Jean A. Evangelista is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 13 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Malikmata truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Malikmata explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jean A. Evangelista respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Malikmata is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dianne Sulit or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Malikmata is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.