Director Mikhail Red returns with his latest horror film, “Lilim,” which has already gained significant attention, being selected for the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). The film follows two siblings, Issa and Tomas, who seek refuge in a mysterious orphanage after escaping an abusive home. Issa, played by Heaven Peralejo, kills her father in self-defense and flees with her brother, finding shelter in an orphanage run by enigmatic women posing as nuns. Despite rumors of the orphanage’s miraculous properties, the head nun’s cryptic warning suggests something far more sinister lies within.
As the siblings uncover disturbing cult practices and face increasing supernatural forces, Issa must protect Tomas from the malevolent entity that threatens them both. True to his signature style, Direk Mikhail continues to infuse his films with layered themes that explore deeper societal issues. As with his previous works like “Deleter” (mental health), “Rekorder” (voyeurism), “Arisaka” (corruption and violence), and “Eerie” (bullying and suicide), “Lilim” takes on the abuse of power as one of its central themes. During a press conference, Red explained the appeal of embedding heavy themes in mainstream films: “Mas madali siguro, in a way, smuggle ‘yung mga themes na you would normally see sa mga heavier drama… you can reach a bigger audience so I guess with ‘Lilim,’ hindi naman siya in your face. Ayaw mo rin naman na obvious.”
The film highlights a cycle of escape and misplaced trust, with characters running from dark pasts, like Issa, who flees the horrors of her family but finds herself in another dangerous situation. Red elaborated, “They feel like hindi pa rin safe kahit to go to the authorities… abuse of power sa authorities. So where do these outcasts go? They go to this cult that promises safety.” He describes the film as exploring how fear drives people toward false promises, leading to a cycle of horror: “These are characters who all run away from something, pero ‘yung sense of safety nila is parang uulit lang ‘yung cycle na whenever people are afraid they turn to something that promises them safety, pero at a cost.”
Heaven makes her horror debut in “Lilim,” with critics praising her portrayal of a determined heroine. Eula Valdez plays Marga, the chilling head nun, while Mon Confiado, Skywalker David, and Ryza Cenon deliver notable performances. Cenon even shaved her head for a particularly intense role.
The film is also a family collaboration, with Direk Mikhail’s father, Raymond Red, serving as cinematographer, and his brother, Nikolas, contributing to the screenplay.
“Lilim” has received strong positive feedback since its world premiere, with international publications commending its balance of terror and entertainment. It will be unveiled in cinemas nationwide on March 12.
