Xian Lim’s directorial debut, Tabon, was brimming with potential and could have been an addition to Cinemalaya’s roster of impressive thriller flicks. But it felt like it’s taken out of the oven way early.

A lack of proper build up seemed to have kept its potential concealed, pretty much like its title’s supposed meaning. There was not enough elements to instil dread in the audience to prepare them once the climax happens. It’s like the sensation you experience in the first few seconds of waking up from being asleep during a road trip and you’ve no idea where you’re at.

There not much breadcrumbs for the audience to anticipate what’s going to happen while trying to work it out inside their heads. And for a movie in this genre, this can play a vital role in creating the kind of impact you want.

It didn’t help that the imagery isn’t compelling at all–some shots look awkward, the production design is bland. The tone isn’t clearly defined and sustained. The moment Lim decided to include speech bubbles and some goofy animation during a supposed intense scene was the time the movie lost its grip on me.

The lead character, Christopher Roxas, was okay for the most part. But given the burden of his character, his performance came off as not riveting enough. It could be the editing, I’m not sure, but I wish we saw more of him. Ynna Asistio, as the wife, made use of what’s given to her well and so did Dexter Doria.

If there was one thing I really liked about Tabon, it’s that scene somewhere at the end where two pairs of bloodied legs are inside the bathroom. Sadly, that’s it.

Overall, it felt like cookie dough–a could-have-been good movie that’s not yet done baking. Brave effort for Lim, though. And I hope this isn’t the last we see from him. With a clearer direction and execution, he could surprise us, I think.

Images courtesy of Cinemalaya Institute