“In the kingdom of the crazy, the weird is Queen!”

I made up that quote, just so I could use it to open this review of the film "Mag-Iina." A gothic family melodrama that stretches over four generations, and takes place in one derelict mansion, the Cinemalaya entry reminded me of such films as "The Beguiled," "Crimson Peak," and "Kisapmata."

Directed by Giancarlo Abraham, and written by multiple Palanca awardee Guelan Varela-Luarca, the film sets out to be a family saga that will disturb, shock, and even disgust us. And I fully welcome that, as this is Cinemalaya, and we are supposed to be celebrating the different. And different in this case is dark comedy, sinister goings-on, and characters that seem to come straight out of Dr. Caligari’s closet - all jagged edges and sharp angles.

The cast is led by Janine Gutierrez, Cherry Pie Picache, Agot Isidro, Lucas Andalio, and Ness Roque. Special mention goes to Jackie Lou Blanco who portrays the aging matriarch - and I can only hope a child psychologist was on the set for Lucas. Together, this tight 6-person cast inhabit an old grand house, and turn the narrative into an intergenerational drama and horror story that speaks of memories, hurt, instability, grief, and how you take home wherever you go. And I’m so sure the cast had so much fun, playing against type.

Verging at times on the disgusting and perverse (it is rated R16), the film challenges the audience not to look away, and I loved the filmmakers for taking those risks, while executing the film with sufficient polish and verve. It constantly pulls the rug out from under us and sets us up - like with a kitchen knife held to one’s wrist for interminable seconds - only to slash and stab from another direction.

I entered this film completely blind, and that’s why I’m purposely avoiding any details of the plot. All I can say is the film chronicles the return of one family member, and how this sets off all kinds of actions and reactions. To say more, would spoil the wonder of discovery, that made this such a joy to watch.

It’s not a perfect film by far. For example, was there no CGI budget left to depict birds flying over a field? They look more like silly bats. And might there have been a better way to showcase the ‘rebirth’ of our matriarch? It almost looked more like cotton candy, and belonging to a Barbie Meets the Alien set. But yes, these are all minor complaints.

By and large, the film succeeds in a good way. The audience I was part of on a late, rainy Sunday night, spontaneously clapped at the end of the film. But only after a full second taken to realize that yes, they had just watched this film that dared to be different. And that yes, one could breathe normally again. In terms of impact, it reminded me of films such as "Melodrama Negra" (2012) of Maribel Legarda. Audacious film-making, great ensemble acting, ambitious; and you simply surrender, and admire the film for trying.

Go watch this film, and get ready to be surprised, shocked, and then leave the cinema with a stupid/sly smile on your face!