One of the most talked-about entries in the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins, a horror anthology that revives the iconic Filipino horror franchise with a multi-era narrative and an all-star cast.
The film opens nationwide on December 25, 2025 as an official MMFF entry.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins unfolds across three interconnected stories set in different time periods — from the Spanish colonial era (1775) to the present day (2025) and into a post-apocalyptic Philippines in 2050. Each segment explores how evil manifests and persists through time:
1775: A group of nuns fights to survive the night after an unknown evil is unleashed in their cloister.
2025: A Halloween masquerade ball turns deadly when a serial killer attack disrupts what should have been a night of fun and celebration.
2050: In a ravaged future where aswangs dominate the Philippines, survivors struggle for survival and confront terrifying horrors.
This format pays homage to the franchise’s roots while introducing new horrors and themes, making Evil Origins a fresh yet nostalgic experience for longtime fans and new audiences alike.
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
Directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, and Ian Lorenos, the film brings together a star-studded lineup spanning veteran performers and rising stars.
Notable cast members include:
- Carla Abellana and Janice de Belen as nuns facing horrors in the past timeline.
- Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Fyang Smith, and JM Ibarra in the 2025 Halloween segment.
- Richard Gutierrez and Ivana Alawi among the stars anchoring the futuristic portion of the film.
The script is penned by Alex Castor, Onay Sales, and Gina Marissa Tagasa — horror writers with experience in the franchise’s storytelling legacy.
A LEGENDARY FRANCHISE EVOLVES
First launched in 1984, the Shake, Rattle & Roll series has become a pillar of Philippine horror cinema, showcasing a mix of supernatural tales, folklore-inspired creatures, and jump-scare thrills over decades.
Evil Origins marks the 17th film in the franchise — and its return to the MMFF after a brief absence — positioning it as a must-see horror entry this festival season.
Cast and producers alike have expressed excitement about revisiting the iconic brand and expanding its horror universe.
Lead actor Richard Gutierrez shared that the project blends traditional scares with an action and survival edge, promising audiences something both terrifying and cinematic this Christmas.
WHY IT MATTERS THIS FESTIVAL SEASON
As MMFF continues to showcase a mix of genres, Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins stands out as the sole horror anthology in the 2025 lineup.
Its ambitious structure — spanning centuries and blending horror with suspenseful storytelling — exemplifies how Filipino genre filmmaking continues evolving while honoring its roots.
Whether you’re in it for the scares, the ensemble cast, or the legacy of one of the country’s most enduring franchises, Evil Origins aims to deliver chills and thrills for horror fans young and old as cinemas light up this Christmas.