Mikhail Red's 'Lilim' brings horror back where it belongs – the big screen

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In a world where a chilling horror flick is just a click away, Mikhail Red dares audiences to leave the couch and return to the darkened theater for "Lilim." The celebrated director behind "Deleter" is set to unleash his latest horror opus on March 12, and he makes a compelling case for why it deserves the full cinematic experience.

Red, a master of genre storytelling, believes that horror thrives in the immersive atmosphere of a theater. "Nowadays, watching movies has become part of a routine — just streaming at home," he says. "So if we're making a film for cinemas, it has to be worth it, right? It needs a certain scale, a certain ambition."

His latest film, "Lilim", fresh from its world premiere at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam, has already received praise from international critics.

‘Lilim’ lead actress Heaven Peralejo PHOTO FROM VIVA FILMS

Starring Heaven Peralejo, Eula Valdez, Ryza Cenon, Skywalker David, and Mon Confiado, "Lilim" follows two siblings who seek refuge in an orphanage, only to uncover a dark secret lurking within its walls.

A review from the Canadian publication "ScreenAnarchy" called it a "complete package" — a blend of psychological horror, family drama, occult mystery, and slasher thrills.

"It's the kind of film people should see in theaters to fully experience our craft — not just the storytelling and performances but the talent of our production and post-production teams," Red explains.

Beyond its haunting narrative, "Lilim" serves as a showcase of Filipino excellence in the horror genre. "This type of film isn't carried by just one authority — it's teamwork," Red asserts. "From sound design to CGI, prosthetics, and stunts, we're proving that the Philippines is competitive in the global horror scene. We're meeting the regional international standards when it comes to genre cinema."

Red, known for constantly pushing the boundaries of Filipino horror, took a different approach with "Lilim".

"I've done horror before, but I always make sure we try something new—something different," he shares.

This time, he turned to a more classic horror aesthetic, drawing inspiration from '90s cinema and setting the film in the eerie landscapes of Mt. Makiling.

Director Mikhail Red at the world premiere of ‘Lilim’ at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/MIKHAIL.RED

"We shot in a real boarding school and recreated period-specific interiors in a studio. Every detail was intentional, from the production design to the cinematography," he reveals.

With "Lilim", Red also highlights why horror remains one of the most successful and exportable Filipino genres. "Horror is very visual and universal," he notes. "Even subtitled horror films get appreciation because scares, atmosphere, and existential themes transcend language barriers. That's why horror is one of the easiest genres to distribute worldwide."

In the Philippines, he argues, horror holds a special place in the audience's hearts. "Just like romance or rom-coms, horror is a 'barkada movie' — it's meant to be experienced together. There's a release, an excitement that comes after every scare," he says. "That's why horror continues to thrive—it's an experience, not just a film."

As "Lilim" prepares to haunt local cinemas, Red hopes audiences will embrace the power of horror on the big screen. "I hope you give "Lilim" a chance," he says. "We've been searching for the right project to collaborate on, and we finally found it. Horror is meant to be shared—with an audience, in the dark, with no pause button in sight."

Get ready to witness "Lilim" in all its terrifying glory. Produced by Viva Films, the horror begins in cinemas nationwide on March 12.