2019 was quite a busy year for Pinoy films. Although there were a couple of misses, there were also plenty of hits that had the masses talking and flocking to the theatres. Some of the films that got people this kind of attention were “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” “Isa Pa, With Feelings,” “Just A Stranger,” and the Filipino adaptation of “Miracle in Cell NO. 7.” Now, it’s time to put those behind and make way for the fresh Pinoy films that the new decade has to offer. From highly-anticipated sequels and big-name titles to horror and crime thrillers, 2020 already looks promising. If you don’t want to miss anything, here are 10 Pinoy films for you to watch out for in 2020.
1. Block Z
When we talk about horror, thriller, and sci-fi Pinoy films, nobody every mentions zombies. But, this year, that might all change with the premiere of the much-awaited Pinoy zombie film “Block Z” from director Mikhail Red. If that name sounds familiar to you, it’s because Red was also behind other recent hit Pinoy films such as the Netflix film “Dead Kids” and the 2016 mystery-thriller hit “Birdshot.” This latest project revolves around a group of young university students battling zombies after a viral outbreak hits the city. It stars Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia along with Maris Racal, McCoy de Leon, Ian Veneracion, Dimples Romana, and Ina Raymundo. “Block Z” premieres on January 29.
2. Nightshift
This 2020, it seems that we’re starting the year with some early scares. Aside from “Block Z,” we also have Yam Laranas’s “Nightshift.” Starring Yam Concepcion, this upcoming horror flick centers on an assistant to a pathologist who has to spend nights in the morgue. The horror starts when the dead starts moving again and no one seems to hear her pleas of help. See, just the thought of the morgue and spending long nights there is creepy enough. But then, when the dead starts moving again, that’s a whole other load of torture. “Nightshift” premieres on January 22.
3. Death of Nintendo
Just by its title, “Death of Nintendo” sounds like a summer film with a great nostalgic trip. And true enough, according to its official premise, it’s a coming of age story of two 13-year-old boys. Set in the suburbs of Manila the summer before the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, “Death of Nintendo” takes us on the journey with them as they discover everything together from pop culture to circumcision and first love. It’s directed by “Smaller and Smaller Circles” director Raya Martin and will premiere in February at the Berlin International Film Festival.
4. Watch List
If you’re craving for some high-quality crime drama, “Watch List” might just be the film for you. Starring Alessandra De Rossi, this crime thriller film revolves around a widow who loses her husband to the war on drugs. And in order to protect her children, she submits herself into another world to confront the dark forces working against her, even the ones within herself. “Watch List” was directed by American director Ben Rekhi and comes from the producers of “Joker,” “A Simple Favor,” and “The Nightingale.” It has also been competing in different independent film festivals all across the U.S. It hits cinemas on February 19.
5. Whether The Weather Is Fine
In every Pinoy films list, there’s bound to be at least one promising drama. For 2020, that seems to be director Carlo Francisco Manatad’s “Whether The Weather Is Fine.” Set against the backdrop of typhoon Yolanda, Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos play mother and son who struggle for survival and deal with the absurdity of fate, sustained by the hope that they carry, and what is lost and gained. The film also stars MNL48 member Francinne Rifol, also known as Rans, who’s making her acting debut. However, no release date has yet been set.
6. On Vodka, Beers, And Regrets
After their successful stint on “100 Tula Para Kay Stela,” Bela Padilla and JC Santos are back with a new valentine film to make us all feel kilig. Directed by Irene Villamor, “On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets” will be hitting theatres on February 5. And despite the initial good feels, this film will apparently also serve us some hurt. Along with the trailer that Viva films posted came the short description, “Si Bela. Si JC. Ulit. Oo. Masakit ulit.” So, I guess people better pack their tissues before entering the cinemas.
7. James And Pat And Dave
Fans who miss the cast of “Vince and Kath and James” would surely be overjoyed because the film is having a spinoff titled “James and Pat and Dave.” Here, the story would center on the heartbroken James after Vince and Kath finally got their happily ever after. Ronnie Alonte is back to reprise his role as well as director Theodore Boborol. Joining them are Loisa Andalio and Donny Pangilinan.
8. Fan Girl
As its title implies, “Fan Girl” revolves around a teenager who finds herself stuck in the mansion of her celebrity crush. Who’s the celebrity you ask? It’s none other than Paulo Avelino playing as himself. With him on board, a lot of girls would surely do anything to be in the teenager’s place. However, as the teen spends more time with him, she realizes that she doesn’t actually know him as well as she thought. The exciting part of this film is that for the teenager’s role, the production team held an open audition. And right now, the chosen actress has yet to be revealed.
9. Love or Money
This 2020, Coco Martin is stepping away from his role in “Probinsyano” for a bit as he stars alongside Angelica Panganiban in “Love or Money.” This will be the first time the two are paired with each other in a feature film. Directed by Mae Cruz Alvar, “Love or Money” is set as Star Cinema’s offering for Valentine’s Day set to be released on February 12. However, plot details have been tightly kept under wraps. So, we’ll just have to wait and see.
10. Fluffy and Fream
It’s been a pretty busy time for Alessandra De Rossi. Because aside from her stint on “Watch List,” the actress has also been working on her directorial debut film “Fluff and Fream.” In classic Pinoy film love story, this film tells the story of a couple as they experience the ups and downs of a relationship while traveling through scenic locations. Aside from directing, De Rossi would also be starring alongside Piolo Pascual whose Spring Films company will be producing the film.