Star Cinema and Quantum Films’ The Strangers, is probably one of the most interesting entries in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. Besides being the only pure horror-flick among the roster, it also boasts of a relatively young cast of actors led by Enchong Dee, Julia Montes, JM de Guzman and Enrique Gil.

The movie’s intriguing title, according to director Lawrence Fajardo pertains to the relationships of the characters, the village they end up in, and the supernatural creatures they have to face.

But perhaps the most apt explanation for the movie title is the collective sentiments of the lead cast, who are joining the annual festival for the first time. Although JM starred in 2011’s indie film Pintakasi, the movie fell under a secondary category in the New Wave section.

With The Strangers his biggest movie to date, Enchong admitted to feeling a bit pressured, while adding that he has thrived in this kind of situation throughout his life. Enchong was part of the Philippine national swimming team and has participated both in the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games.

“I have to admit, whether we like it or not nasa isang competition talaga kami. But ako naman, nabuhay ako for the longest time na may competition. Pero this one is a fun competition and healthy naman,” Enchong told reporters at a press conference at the Dolce Latte restaurant in Quezon City.

“I am very happy na this year yung sasalihan kong MMFF is a very competent one. Quality-wise, lahat magaganda. So to be part of this very competent lineup of films masaya na ako and sasabihin ko na itong pelikula namin ay makikipagsabayan.”

Is he eyeing the best actor award?

“Nandun ba ko?” he innocently asked, as the audience erupted in laughter.

“Direk di ba ginalingan ko naman dito? This is the first project na umuuwi ako na talagang pagod na pagod. Yung tipong pagdating mo ng bahay kahit nanlalagkit ka pa at marumi gusto mo nang matulog. But masaya ako.”

For Julia, she said the experience of doing a very different movie makes it special. “Siguro yung experience na iba naman ang theme nito and kakaiba yung mga characters namin from the ones we usually portray makes it even more interesting. Ibang flavor ito ng horror,” she added.

Actress Janice de Belen, who has been part of many horror films and MMFF entries in the past years said that she is very proud that this movie was included in this year’s festival. “To be chosen and be alongside seven other good films is something to be proud of already. Of course it’s a challenge for everybody but that’s what makes it even better—the challenge is to push yourself even harder.”

Cherry Pie shared in Janice’s pride revealing that their movie was among the first ones to be chosen during the selection process. “Kapag MMFF we always have an impression na big films lang ang puwede, but we proved that even independently produced movies can be included so masaya na ko at nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon.”

The Strangers focuses on a family of five that tries to put aside their differences on the eve of their children’s 18th birthday. Fraternal twins Pat (Julia Montes) and Max (Enrique Gil) prepare to go on their annual out-of-town trip. Accompanied by their parents Roy (Johnny Revilla) and Evelyn (Cherry Pie Picache), their grandfather Pete (Jaime Fabregas) and his temporary caretaker Paloma (Janice de Belen) as well as their driver Toning (Nico Antonio), they set off for the far flung town of Murcia.

Whatever problems they had with each other fade away as they begin their journey. But their happiness comes to a screeching halt when their van hits an old lady. Night falls and suddenly they are attacked by a strange creature, Roy and Lolo Pete go missing, and the rest are left stranded in the middle of nowhere.

The movie is directed by Lawrence Fajardo who also directed the award winning indie films Posas, and Amok.