The eco-horror film “Caretakers,” directed by Shugo Praico and produced by Lino Cayetano, Philip King, and Praico’s Rein Entertainment, in partnership with Regal Films, is more than just a tale of terror — it’s a deep reflection on materialism and the consequences of neglecting nature.

The filmmakers are especially proud that “Caretakers” is one of the last projects approved by the late Mother Lily Monteverde, the matriarch of Regal Entertainment.

Set in the lush yet eerie backdrop of a rural property in San Miguel, Bulacan, “Caretakers” centers on a fierce battle between two mothers, Audrey (Iza Calzado) and Lydia (Dimples Romana), over the ownership of a piece of land. Audrey, who hails from the city, arrives to claim the land her husband’s family owns, while Lydia, the caretaker, fiercely protects the land her family has occupied for years.

Praico, who co-wrote the film with John Carlo Pacala, explains, “There’s a certain movement to go back sa pinakasimpleng buhay, pinakasimpleng panahon lalo na sobrang bilis ng modern times. ‘Yun idea na, oo nga no, ‘pag tiningnan mo, may something lurking back there. Paabante tayo ng paabante, biglang may hatak pabalik.”

For Iza Calzado, the role of Audrey is not only a professional challenge but also a personal reflection. Having battled COVID-19 and experienced a recent hospitalization, Iza opened up about the life lessons she learned during the pandemic, particularly regarding material possessions. On the set of “Caretakers,” Iza shared some of her pandemic realizations: “Para saan ‘yung shoes ko? … Hindi sya nakakatulong sa’kin at this very moment.”

Her realizations on the fleeting nature of material goods, particularly during the lockdown, align with the film’s theme. “There are things that would be nice for us to have… but I have really put the brakes on buying as much as I used to,” Iza admitted.

The pandemic, for the actress, served as a stark reminder that luxury items like bags and shoes hold little value in times of crisis.

Producer Lino Cayetano echoed this sentiment. “Sa mundo natin ngayon, napaka-obsessed tayo sa pagmamay-ari. Ako ngayon may mga anak ako, kinukwenta ko nung pandemic, pag nawala ako ano maiiwan sa pamilya ko? ‘Yung condo ko kung saan ako nakatira sa BGC, asan ba yun 100 years from now?”

Dimples Romana, who plays Lydia, shares the screen with Iza for the first time. Both actresses, now mothers, bring a level of depth to their roles. “Perfect timing na kami ni Iza na magka-work ngayon, hinog na ‘yung pagtatrabaho namin,” Dimples explained.

Their characters’ motivations, rooted in protecting their families, mirror the personal stakes in their real lives. As mothers, they understand the fierce protective instincts that drive both Audrey and Lydia, making their conflict both relatable and intense.

But “Caretakers” is not just a human drama — it is a true eco-horror. According to Cayetano, the film is designed to unsettle viewers with its terrifying moments. “Nakakatakot, may mga jump scares,” he teased, assuring that despite its introspective themes, “Caretakers” delivers on the horror front.

The film’s production also practices what it preaches about responsibility to the land. The crew has committed to “zero waste” during shooting, cutting down from fifteen trash bags a day to just a couple. They’ve partnered with local government units to recycle cardboard and bottles, and they’ve even created their own compost pit for organic waste. It was crucial that the production upheld the ideas of stewardship, as the film is firmly based on these concepts.

“Caretakers” is slated for release later this year. Also in the cast are Marco Masa, Erin Espiritu and Inka Magnaye. It has Odyssey Flores (“Magnifico,” “Ma Rosa”) in charge of cinematography, while production design is by Roma Regala (“Buy Bust”).