Watch Aurora

Aurora is a 2018 drama-thriller film from the Philippines. Directed by Yam Laranas, the film stars Anne Curtis as Leana, a woman working at her family's rundown hotel in the remote town of Baler. The hotel is struggling to stay afloat, and when a ship carrying Chinese workers sinks off the coast, Leana sees an opportunity to make some money by collecting the bodies that wash up on the shore and turning them over to the authorities.

However, things start to go wrong when Leana begins to suspect that the authorities are not being truthful about the number of bodies recovered, and that there may be survivors still out at sea. As she investigates further, Leana uncovers a web of corruption and greed that threatens not only her own safety, but the safety of her family and the town as a whole.

The film is a tense and atmospheric thriller, with stunning cinematography of the beautiful but dangerous coastal setting. Director Yam Laranas creates a strong sense of unease and foreboding throughout, as Leana's investigation takes her deeper into a world of secrets and lies.

Anne Curtis delivers a powerful performance as Leana, a woman who starts out as a shrewd businesswoman but gradually becomes consumed by a desperate need to uncover the truth. Phoebe Villamor and Mercedes Cabral also give strong supporting performances as Leana's sister and mother respectively, adding depth to the complex family dynamic at the heart of the story.

One of the standout features of the film is its use of sound design, with the crashing waves and creaking of the old hotel adding to the sense of isolation and vulnerability experienced by the characters. Composer Erin Anton creates a haunting and evocative score that perfectly complements the visual and narrative elements of the film.

Aurora is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful film that explores themes of greed, corruption, and the human cost of survival. While it is at times a harrowing and intense viewing experience, it ultimately delivers a satisfying and cathartic conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. If you're a fan of atmospheric thrillers with strong character development and a strong sense of place, then Aurora is definitely a film worth watching.

Aurora is a 2018 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.