Contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
Following the success of Green Bones and Firefly, GMA Pictures introduces another exciting project, the psychological horror-thriller film P77, featuring the talented actress Barbie Forteza.
I had the opportunity to attend the premiere night on July 28, 2025, at SM The Block. The event was well-attended by Barbie’s close friends and industry colleagues, all showing their strong support for her. Among the familiar faces were Jameson Blake, Bianca Umali from Sang’gre, and PBB Collab Edition housemates Bianca de Vera, Dustin Yu, and Josh Ford. Cast members from Pulang Araw, including David Licauco, Alden Richards, and Jay Ortega, also came to show their support for Barbie.
Directed by Derick Cabrido, P77 immerses viewers in a chilling exploration of Luna’s mind, played by Barbie. Luna works abroad to support her family, especially her sickly younger brother. Her priorities shift when she decides to return home to care for him personally. She then finds work at a mysterious penthouse called P77, where much of the story unfolds.
At first glance, the storyline may appear mysterious or somewhat difficult to understand. However, as the narrative progresses, each scene gradually connects, creating a cohesive story that beautifully unravels towards the conclusion. What initially seemed like scattered pieces ultimately fit together, forming an intriguing and meaningful puzzle.
What caught me off guard was the film’s deeper message. I went in expecting a typical horror movie filled with spirits, hauntings, and jump scares. Instead, P77 revealed much more than I anticipated. Beneath its terrifying visuals lies a potent message about mental health, family responsibilities, and personal burdens. The film delivers excitement and thrill while also offering reflections and education for viewers.
The storyline is both original and bold, blending real-world social issues with mental health awareness. It’s rare for horror films to adopt such an empathetic and meaningful approach. P77 excels at weaving lessons and creative themes seamlessly into the story. Visually, the film effectively maintains suspense and tension, utilizing smooth transitions and meticulously crafted scenes to keep audiences engaged.
And I cannot overlook Barbie’s remarkable performance. Through P77, she demonstrated her undeniable growth as a versatile actress. Her portrayal of Luna was raw, emotional, and profoundly impressive. She carried the role with such grace that every emotion read on her face was palpable. It’s clear she truly deserves to lead this film.
If you haven’t seen P77 yet, there’s still time—the film is currently showing in cinemas nationwide. It’s definitely a movie worth watching.
