"Isolated" [2025]

Film

Yassi Pressman, Joel Torre

Written by: Benedict Mique, Juvy Galamiton, and Shania Vonzel Obena

Directed by: Benedict Mique

Lonewolf Films

==========

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐/5

==========

WARNING: SPOILERS!

INITIAL THOUGHTS:

Without even watching the trailer or knowing the plot, I had already decided I would make time to see Isolated. The reason was simple: Joel Torre. His name alone was enough to spark my interest.

That interest only grew once I finally watched the trailer. While some horror and suspense fans might argue that the premise feels familiar, I found myself intrigued by how this particular story would unfold. The film primarily focuses on two characters and how they navigate not just the situation they’re in—but each other.

---

SYNOPSIS:

The story revolves around Rose (Yassi Pressman), a nurse who dreams of a better life abroad. Financially constrained, she applies for a caregiver job she finds online. The position leads her to a secluded, aging resort in Antipolo, where she is assigned to care for Peter (Joel Torre), a frail, elderly man and former U.S. Navy veteran. As Rose settles into her new role, she begins to sense that the resort holds sinister secrets—and that Peter may not be as helpless as he seems.

STORY:

The storyline isn’t particularly new. In fact, the trope of the seemingly innocent character turning out to be the villain has been used many times. The difference lies in how the filmmakers choose to execute it.

For me, the execution was as strong as it could be. While the film still leaned into some common suspense clichés, these were largely outweighed by a striking montage of violence—made even more disturbing by the calm, soothing music playing in the background. The juxtaposition of soft melodies and graphic scenes of torture was jarring, but artistically impressive. Barbaric? Absolutely. But from a production standpoint, I was in awe.

Another strong point is how the narrative threads tie together. Just when you think it’s over, the film reveals more. Minor details don’t go ignored—they are wrapped up nicely, creating a satisfying and complete viewing experience.

On the downside, the horror elements themselves weren’t particularly innovative. The film delivers the expected jump scares and eerie moments, but nothing that truly stands out—except when paired with the unsettling soundtrack.

CHARACTERS:

Yassi Pressman once again proves she’s a reliable and effective actress. Her portrayal of Rose felt authentic and grounded. I could easily connect with her character’s emotions—especially in the latter part of the film, during the intense chase scenes that had me on the edge of my seat.

As for Joel Torre—outstanding, as always. His transformation from a frail, dementia-stricken old man to the film’s main antagonist was chilling. While I wished the reveal had been a bit more unexpected, his performance was still believable and menacing.

Among the supporting cast, Yayo Aguila did well as Rose’s mother, and Candy Pangilinan balanced comic relief with suspense effectively. However, Wilbert Ross stood out most. His portrayal of the grieving boyfriend of a former nurse who previously worked at the resort was emotionally gripping—I truly felt his pain and his thirst for justice.

Even minor characters—such as the actors who played Rose’s best friend and the robber—delivered convincing performances.

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

One of the most striking elements of Isolated is its use of irony through visuals. The title alone evokes feelings of darkness, confinement, and lifelessness. Yet, the film’s setting is lush, vibrant, and seemingly full of life. The contrast is powerful—reminding us that evil doesn’t always hide in the dark. Sometimes, the most horrifying acts happen under the bright light of day.

The beauty of the surroundings lulls both Rose and the audience into a false sense of security—something that’s also symbolized by the gun given to her, offering the illusion of safety. It’s a reflection of how we often chase peace and comfort without questioning what lies beneath the surface.

Another interesting observation is that the film never explicitly shows Rose as being physically trapped in the resort. The gate is never clearly shown to be locked, which leaves the impression that she could leave at any time. Yet, she chooses to stay—driven by the promise of a high salary and the opportunity to support her family. This suggests that the real isolation she experiences is more psychological and emotional than physical.

TECHNICAL:

The film’s technical execution, particularly its cinematography, plays a crucial role in setting the tone. At the start, Rose’s life as a struggling nurse in the Philippines is depicted through dark, muted filters and letterbox framing—subtly conveying her sense of entrapment and hopelessness.

But when she arrives at the resort, the frame opens up to full screen, and the color palette becomes bright and hopeful—ironically signaling the start of her descent into horror. As the story progresses and the danger intensifies, the letterbox format returns during the most suspenseful scenes, symbolizing how she’s once again confined—this time in a far more sinister and psychological way. After she "kills" the villain and appears to regain control, the framing shifts back to full screen, visually representing a momentary sense of freedom and relief.

The final shot, however, cleverly subverts this as the screen slowly tightens back into a letterbox while Rose learns the killer may still be alive. It’s a subtle but powerful visual cue that her ordeal might not be over—executed with masterful precision.

CONCLUSION:

Isolated proves that even a simple story can become a powerful film when brought to life by a strong cast and a creative production team. Joel Torre and Yassi Pressman’s performances give weight to the narrative, while the film’s direction and cinematography elevate the viewing experience.

In my opinion, the movie could have leaned more into the psychological suspense and less on the supernatural horror. The ghost elements felt unnecessary, as the core of the story was already compelling enough. The creativity is clearly present—they just need to push it a bit further in the right direction.

I really hope the team behind this movie considers releasing it on Netflix, so those who missed it can have the chance to watch it.

---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkrP1tBwS5U