Feng Shui and Sukob director Chito Roño brings to life the unsettling novel of the controversial contemporary author Bob Ong.
The long wait comes to an end. After some major delays in production and being pulled out by Regal Entertainment from the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, Bob Ong’s horror novel, Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan, has found its platform for release on Amazon Prime.
Courtesy of Prime Video, Joshua Garcia leads the highly anticipated eerie movie that is expected to be released this May 18. Emerging from the book’s pages, director Chito Roño breathes life into the chilling journey of Galo (Joshua Garcia) as he ventures into the mysterious small town, sending shivers down the spine.
Here’s What You Have to Know About Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan
Three years after it was first teased, Chito Roño’s Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan will be available for streaming. Starting May 18, Bob Ong and horror-thriller fans can take a closer look at how Galo’s story will unfold.
Based on Bob Ong’s first attempt in the horror genre, Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan unveils the tale of a college student (Joshua Garcia) who temporarily relocates to his grandmother’s hometown. Immersed in the peculiar ways of the community, he uncovers unsettling secrets and captivating stories, that he deliberately records in his journal.
Early on, Kapamilya actor Joshua Garcia made headlines after confirming his participation in the film. Embracing the distinct narrative style of the book, he assumes the roles of both protagonist and storyteller. Residing under the guardianship of his aunt, he appears to be an ordinary young man, yet his family conceals numerous underlying issues beneath their seemingly tranquil facade.
Veteran actress Angie Ferro takes on the titular role of Galo’s grandmother, Mama Susan. Despite exuding a vibe hinting at a cult-like presence, she leads a religious group in the area. However, as the story unfolds, Mama Susan is depicted as unwell, adding a layer of intrigue and complexity to her character.
Aside from her, there’s also Kelvin Miranda (Louie), Miko Gallardo (Joselito), Patrick Quiroz (Jovit), and Henz Villaraiz (Roy). Actors portraying supporting characters that play a big role in the book—and in Galo and Mama Susan’s inner circle—like Tiya Auring, Tiyo Dindo, and Aling Delia are yet to be revealed.
As mentioned, the highly anticipated film did not make it to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Instead, it is set for release on Prime Video—which means people across the world can watch it anytime, anywhere.
Known for the success of his Feng Shui and Sukob, Chito Roño’s adaptation of Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan is a promising step towards reviving the horror film industry, which is heavily reliant on jump scares and predictability of plots. Tapping into the Filipino psyche, this film hopes to reimagine the elements of a horror movie—bringing new voices, unique tastes, and terrifying realizations to the audience.
