The Healing is a 2012 supernatural horror film from ABS-CBN Productions, Inc. (Star Cinema) directed by Chito Roño starring Vilma Santos, Vilma Santos, Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Pokwang, Robert Arevalo, and Martin del Rosario. Check out Pinoy Movie Blogger's spoiler-free movie review of The Healing
The Healing
Synopsis
A news about the miraculous works of a faith healer spread like wildfire attracting the attention of people suffering from various illnesses coming from all walks of life. All of a sudden, the faith healer stopped her "healing" sessions, but was forced by a group of patients. But at the same time, disturbing and mysterious incidents start to unleash. Will the secret behind the faith healing's deadly curse finally be revealed or will it finally consume each victim?
The Healing Movie Review
The Healing (2012) Film Review
Being a fan of anything horror, once saw that The Healing was now in theaters I didn't have second thoughts and immediately bought a ticket. Thanks to The Healing film trailer, I can say the film piqued my interest. So did the film met my expectation? Will it meet yours?
I gave my initial impressions and predicted what The Healing's story might possibly be, but sadly it wasn't that close enough. The curse that befell each of the unfortunate patients who insisted of still being healed amidst the healer's "unstable" condition is not related to her recharging of her powers as I mentionded in my trailer impressions but something a lot more sinister... and I will end it at that. This is a spoiler-free movie review of the Healing anyways. When this plot point is revealed however, it is only a matter of time before you start patching up the pieces. You might have a glimpse of the ending already. Luckily The Healing movie trailer didn't spoil this opportunity to discover this plot point which have been some of my complaints in most Filipino film trailers and synopsis as of the recent.
I gave my initial impressions and predicted what The Healing's story might possibly be, but sadly it wasn't that close enough. The curse that befell each of the unfortunate patients who insisted of still being healed amidst the healer's "unstable" condition is not related to her recharging of her powers as I mentionded in my trailer impressions but something a lot more sinister... and I will end it at that. This is a spoiler-free movie review of the Healing anyways. When this plot point is revealed however, it is only a matter of time before you start patching up the pieces. You might have a glimpse of the ending already. Luckily The Healing movie trailer didn't spoil this opportunity to discover this plot point which have been some of my complaints in most Filipino film trailers and synopsis as of the recent.
The cast delivers a believable performance in The Healing. For a horror film, it sure has some good humor on it. The humor usually comes from Seth's (Vilma Santos) father Mang Odong (Robert Arevalo). But never forget that this is a horror film, you when you least expect it the film delivers this sucker punch jump scare. The Healing has a good number of jump scares which you can either love or hate. I personally prefer the more psychological and creeping form of scare when it comes to horror films. Don't get me wrong, The Healing has these creepy elements as well. The scares in the Healing are okay which have been generally enhanced by CG-effects. The effects of these malignant entities that haunts the patients are pretty impressive which is quite surprising actually. It made me remember how much I like other Asian horror films. It is far from perfection though. There are still some moments when the CGI-effects fail. This ranges from the unbelievable to the laughable. I believe that amidst having supernatural elements, a horror film should still be grounded to some basic logic and rules of reality. For those who are planning to see it, try to watch out for scenes that primarily focus on Alma (Pokwang) and Kakay (Abby Bautista). This maybe because they are working with a child, but I believe the visual effects department is at fault for not being able to portray a more realistic gore and special effects, and then there is that moment with Pokwang which think is a flaw in logic. Normal people don't just go that way. The film also has some weird thing about colors. Can you spot them all?
As for the ending (don't worry spoiler-free remember?) it is relatively okay. It doesn't have that stupid and irritating twist ending ala Segunda Mano. The Healing gave a good ending for a supernatural horror film. I just don't think that the last part was necessary.
The Verdict for The Healing (2012) Film
Star Cinema's The Healing is a good horror film which has some pretty suspenseful and creepy moments. The incorporation of CG-effects has mostly done wonders to enhance the creepy moments in this 2012 horror film, with a some few missed ones in some of its CGI-heavy moments.
The Healing is worth the time, money, and effort. The film is more of a suspense than a horror in the latter part of the film which is not bad which doesn't diminish how the story progressed. Pinoy Movie Blogger gives The Healing (2012) an 8 out of 10 (4/10) film review rating.
The Healing is worth the time, money, and effort. The film is more of a suspense than a horror in the latter part of the film which is not bad which doesn't diminish how the story progressed. Pinoy Movie Blogger gives The Healing (2012) an 8 out of 10 (4/10) film review rating.