Espantaho: A Horror Film That Fails to Scare but Succeeds in Social Commentary

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Directed by Chito S. Roño and written by Chris Martinez, Espantaho presents itself as a horror film but struggles to deliver the scares expected from the genre. While it excels in tackling heavy themes of female rage and toxic masculinity, the movie falls short of creating genuine fear, leaving horror enthusiasts wanting more.

The Horror That Wasn't There

From the start, Espantaho sets up an eerie atmosphere with its use of pests—balang (locusts), linta (leeches), and daga (rats)—as metaphors for the parasitic nature of toxic masculinity. While the symbolism is clever and the metaphors land well, the execution lacks the tension and spine-chilling moments necessary for a true horror experience. The supernatural elements feel secondary, almost like an afterthought, overshadowed by the heavy-handed drama.

The ghosts and creepy visuals are present, but they never quite reach the level of dread or terror one would expect from a Chito Roño horror film. Instead of delivering scares, the film leans heavily into its social commentary, often at the expense of building real suspense.

A Dramatic Core Wrapped in a Horror Aesthetic

At its heart, Espantaho thrives as a drama with horror elements rather than a horror movie. The complex dynamics between Chanda Romero and Lorna Tolentino's characters are compelling, showcasing how women are often forced to turn against each other because of a man’s manipulative actions.

Meanwhile, Judy Ann Santos shines as a mother, daughter, and partner trapped in societal expectations. Her performance is raw and deeply moving, but again, it feels more suited to a family drama than a horror film. The emotional weight of her character's struggles carries the film, but the lack of frightening moments prevents Espantaho from fully embracing its horror identity.

The Real Horror: Family Greed

While the movie misses the mark on scares, it does succeed in highlighting one universally terrifying reality—family disputes over inheritance and land. In true Filipino fashion, the most unsettling moments of the film don’t come from ghosts or supernatural threats but from the betrayal, greed, and dysfunction within families.

It’s a sharp commentary on how real-life horrors often overshadow fictional ones, but audiences expecting classic horror thrills might feel let down.

Chris Martinez's Sharp Script

Chris Martinez’s screenplay is rich with metaphor and meaning, offering thought-provoking commentary on gender roles, toxic masculinity, and societal expectations. While the themes are well-explored, they often overpower the horror narrative, leaving little room for tension or fear to build.

A Missed Opportunity for True Horror

If Espantaho had fully committed to being a horror film, with the same level of care given to its social commentary, it could have been a standout entry in the genre. Instead, it feels like a powerful drama disguised in horror aesthetics—a film more thought-provoking than frightening.

Should You Watch Espantaho?

If you’re looking for a bone-chilling horror experience, Espantaho will likely disappoint. However, if you’re open to a socially charged drama with horror elements sprinkled in, the film has plenty to offer.

In the end, Espantaho might not keep you up at night with fear, but it will leave you reflecting on the deeply rooted societal issues it boldly addresses.

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