Lilim: Evading the police, Issa and her brother Tomas seek shelter in a secluded orphanage in the forest. But the siblings’ safe haven soon reveals itself to be a hellscape controlled by a sacrificial cult in thrall to a fearsome nocturnal deity.

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Introduction

Filipino horror movies are getting better and better, to be honest I’m looking forward to whenever I open a streaming service if there’s a new entry of Filipino-made horror titles on the list. Lilim is a good example of the genre evolving in the Philippines. Directed by Mikhail Red.

“After a young woman and her brother flee to a secluded orphanage to escape the law, they discover it is actually run by a sacrificial cult that worships a nocturnal deity called the “Lilim”. The siblings must then find a way to escape before the cult can offer them as a sacrifice.”

Characters

At first look of the poster, I thought Lilim starred Judy Ann Santos, but when it started I realized it was Heaven Peralejo (as Issa). An okay performance coming from her. Even though I see her mostly on Rom-Coms, I never thought she’d do good at horror as well.

Skywalker David (as Tomas) wasn’t really able to showcase his talent. His dialogue was so little that I immediately forgot what his voice sounded like after the movie. Prinsipe, the bully, had a more memorable performance.

The nuns. Oh the nuns. Aside from the fact that the story revolves around their cult, all the nuns gave great performances and added that sense of realism. Ryza Cenon, Nicole Omillo, Halle Berry Gomez, Phoebe Walker (Seklusyon 2025), and the ever prominent, Eula Valdez.

Cult of Lilith

I was really intrigued when they mentioned “Lilith”. In Jewish folklore and mythology, Lilith is considered Adam’s first wife before Eve. The story goes that Lilith, created from the same earth as Adam, refused to be subservient to him and left the Garden of Eden, leading to her transformation into a demonic figure associated with night and child mortality.

Though it wasn’t very clear why all of their hair were shaved off.

Climbing Grand Score

Music composition in Lilim was very well done. Composed by Myka Magsaysay and Paul Sigua, they were also the ones who composed for Meg & Ryan (2025), Outside (2024), Deleter (2022) among other known titles here in the Philippines. The music builds up gradually with purpose and in tune with the scene. Unlike other horror movies where their music builds up towards nothing, I’m looking at you The Open House (2018).

Better SFX

It was a good decision on their part in using more practical effects rather than CGI, it gives it a little bit more oomph in my opinion. And even if the subject is out of this world, when you use practical effects, it gives that sense of “what if”.

What I Didn’t Like

What’s with the arms of the kids? It was actually a good shocking intro, but it was never explained why Lilith leaves the arms behind. This is the only question on my mind the whole time I was watching it. I was waiting for an explanation. Until the credits rolled and it was clear that it was just for shock value.

Final Thoughts

A great Filipino-made cult horror movie with proper use of practical effects blended perfectly with an unnerving music score that builds up the tension. Great choice for a midnight watch.