FranSeth and JMFyang bring kilig in ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll Evil Origins’

Adding romance is nothing new in the horror genre, but the tandems of Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin (FranSeth), and JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith (JMFyang) in “Shake, Rattle & Roll Evil Origins” raise the stakes for survival.

Diaz, Fedelin, Ibarra and Smith are part of “2025,” the second chapter of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, which tells the story of the mass murders that happened at the Hellclipse Halloween Ball. Filmed at an old house in Manila, the event’s atmosphere abruptly ends after a group of serial killers controlled by a haunted being attacks the guests.

This leads to Faye (Diaz), Sean (Fedelin), Elle (Smith), James (Ibarra), Sky (Sassa Gurl) and Karina Bautista (Callie) in a desperate attempt to escape the venue, which ultimately ends in betrayal.

Before the horror film, Diaz and Fedelin were the leads in the MMFF 2024 entry “My Future You,” spotlighting their chemistry as a potential romantic pairing. While they take a backseat this time around, the former child actress is grateful to be part of a notable film franchise. 

“From ‘My Future You’ na wala kaming ine-expect, gusto talaga namin ma-appreciate ang ginagawa at pinaghirapan namin, audition namin ito sa lahat ng tao [sa industriya],” Diaz said in a Star Magic Spotlight press conference. “Kailangang maganda at maayos ang ginagawa namin. Ngayon, sa ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll,’ it’s a legacy sa mga manonood, pati na rin buong Pilipinas na.”

(From not expecting anything in “My Future You,” we want the viewers to appreciate what we do and our hard work this time around. We consider our work as a sort of audition in the industry. We make it a point to do things well. Now, in “Shake, Rattle & Roll,” it’s a legacy to viewers.)

For his part, Ibarra said in a separate press conference that he’s overwhelmed by the trust to be part of the film series.

“Malaking bagay na mapasama ang isang baguhan na tulad ko sa isang project na tumatak talaga sa mga Pilipino. Overwhelmed po talaga ako. (It’s a big deal for a rookie like me to be cast in a project that resonates with Filipinos. I am really overwhelmed),” he said.

How they deal with ‘off’ days

Being part of an onscreen tandem means being aware of one’s flaws and worst moments. For Smith, she makes it a point to make up for what Ibarra lacks during his off days.

“Pag alam kong wala siya sa mood, doon lumalabas ‘yung eagerness ko na inisin siya, kulitin siya. Ayokong wala siya sa mood, ayokong nalulungkot siya. Ako na lang ‘yung mapapagod para sa kanya. Every time na nakikita ko siyang naka-headset, tatanggalin ko yan, kukulitin ko siya,” she said, noting that it’s part of their usual dynamic.

(If I know that Ibarra is not in the mood, that’s when my eagerness to goof off with him comes out. I hate seeing him in a bad mood. I hate seeing him sad. I would rather choose to be tired in his case. Every time I see him alone wearing his headset, I would remove it and play around with him.)

Ibarra agreed with his leading lady’s remarks, saying, “Enjoy lang kami sa isa’t isa at masaya kami working together (We simply enjoy each other’s company. We’re happy working together).”

Meanwhile, Fedelin said he and Diaz have a “healthy relationship” because they make sure to control their emotions when one is not in the mood. “May mga off days din kami, pero ang challenge is paano hindi magkasawaan (We also have off days, but the challenge is how we won’t get tired of each other).”

“Siguro healthy kami, pero we’re only human,” he continued. “Meron kaming di pagkakaintindihan and nacha-channel naman namin siya nang maayos. We control our emotions and channel them saan ilalagay.”

(I guess we have a healthy relationship, but we’re only human. There are days when we’re not on good terms, and we channel them well. We control our emotions and release them in suitable ways.)

While the cast of “2025” is composed of actors in the same age group, Diaz and Fedelin described their filming experience as one filled with teamwork.

“Isa sa ine-expect namin ay sobrang gulo namin, kasi lahat kami Gen-Z. Pero lahat professional. Walang nagpapabigat, walang nagpapahirap (One of the things we expect is our being quite rowdy since all of us are Gen-Z. But everyone is professional. No one gives a hard time). I would say that this episode is about teamwork,” she said.

Fedelin added, “Masaya kami na sila ang nakasama namin. Wala kaming masabi kundi sila ang nakasama namin sa kwento. [Sa kabila ng stress at pagod] namin sa eksena, napalitan ng saya. Pagod ang isa’t isa pero [we reminded ourselves] na kaya namin ‘to.”

“Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins” tells the story of a mysterious aswang (witch)-haunting generations, particularly a family bloodline. With its spirit awakened in “1775,” it is up to the chosen one in “2025” to put an end to the spirit’s reign of terror for good.

The film also stars Carla Abellana, Richard Gutierrez, Loisa Andalio, Janice de Belen, Manilyn Reynes and Ivana Alawi. /ra