Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino attend the 'Espantaho' premiere night at SM Megamall. Josh Mercado

Watching Chito Roño's "Espantaho" is like watching an acting masterclass with two movie legends, Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino.

In the midst of the terrifying events, objects, worms, and rats, Santos and Tolentino remain committed to their characters, demonstrating to the public that they are indeed the outstanding actresses that people grew up with.

The legends that they are, both Santos and Tolentino offer everything they need to deliver, not only to gratify their director, but also to the moviegoers.

In "Espantaho," an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024, Santos plays Monet and Tolentino plays Rosa, both of whom are mourning the death of the family patriarch Pabling. Throughout the nine days of Pasiyam, dark secrets and a deadly plot emerge. Monet and Rosa must overcome past traumas and a strange menace in order to save their family.

The movie is produced by Quantum Films with Cineko Productions and Santos’s Purple Bunny Productions.

Santos returns to horror scene

The award-winning actress dominated the horror genre with "Wow, Multo!" (1997), "Ouija" (2007), "Mag-ingat Ka sa Kulam” (2008), and “T’yanak” (2014).

After a decade, she returned to the horror genre with a film she co-produced. It's a legendary comeback, having both intensity and vulnerability in her performance.

Her role in the film has numerous responsibilities, including being a wife, mother, and daughter. As a wife, she loves and trusts her husband, played by JC Santos. As a mother, she tries everything she can to secure her son's future. And, as a daughter, she is caring and empathetic, constantly seeking her mother's presence.

The film emphasizes the love between a mother and her daughter, demonstrating that love for one's mother never fades. Even when the individual leaves, the love remains. The emotional sequences move viewers, with Santos displaying honest emotion.

Philippine cinema is fortunate to have Santos as one of its top actresses. Her motions, dialogues, camera angles, confrontational scenes (and even quiet scenes), and eyes are all examples of why the industry refers to her as a Prime Superstar.

Tolentino is mothering

In addition to her role as a mother in Roño's film, Tolentino offers what Gen Z refers to as "mother."

People are moved by her direct eye contact throughout scenes. In the film, Tolentino guides and protects her daughter through ups and downs.

Her character displays determination as a result of a horrific past. The message is that trauma haunts people and always affects them.

Behind Tolentino's white costume is a story that audiences must see for themselves.

Her acting exudes force, as evidenced by her eyes and minimal dialogues. And if you're wondering what Tolentino's best scene in the film is, it's the one where she needs to let go.

Santos and Tolentino give award-worthy performances. The film is more than just horror; it's a story about a mother and daughter that viewers can identify to.

“Espantaho” also features beautiful performances from Janice de Belen, Eugene Domingo, and Chanda Romero.