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Gillian Vicencio Embraces Raw Emotions in “Talahib”

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Gillian Vicencio is slashing her way into new territory, and she couldn’t be more thrilled. The Kapamilya actress, known for roles in mainstream hits like “Eerie” and “Hellcome Home,” has landed the lead in director Alvin Yapan’s chilling slasher film, “Talahib.” For Vicencio, it’s more than just a movie – it’s the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

“Talahib,” which recently premiered at the 2024 Sinag Maynila Film Festival, marks Vicencio’s foray into independent cinema. This wasn’t just any role; it was a chance to break free from the familiar and explore a whole new way of filmmaking. “Working on indie films is completely different from what we do in mainstream,” Vicencio shared. “I’ve always believed I would learn so much, and I was right. The process is much more collaborative, and I was curious to see how things operate on the indie side.”

And learn she did. Vicencio describes her experience on “Talahib” as transformative. “Before this, I approached roles intellectually,” she confessed. “But here, I learned to let go and really tap into my emotions. It’s about truly being present in the moment, living what my character is experiencing. The result? My acting feels more natural, more real.”

This shift wasn’t just Vicencio’s revelation. Director Yapan, himself a veteran in the industry, sought to create a film that resonated with the raw energy of the slasher genre. “Think ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ meets classic 90s Caparas films,” he described. “It’s a tribute to the genre in Philippine cinema, but it also pushes the boundaries with a modern edge. It’s balancing art with mainstream appeal.”

The film follows the gruesome trail of a vengeful ghost haunting an abandoned subdivision, preying on unsuspecting victims who venture near the titular “talahib” (tall grass). Police officers Bong (Joem Bascon) and Roman (Jess Mendoza) find themselves stumped, aided by a group of friends led by Vicencio’s Joyce, and the enigmatic Stephen (Kristof Garcia), who may hold the key to the killer’s past.

A Collaborative and Enjoyable Set

Vicencio is effusive about her experience working with Yapan. “Direk Alvin is incredibly collaborative,” she gushed. “He gave me the freedom to explore my character, and we’d have these in-depth discussions about the scenes and the characters’ motivations. That kind of environment is invaluable for an actor. When everyone – director, co-actors – is working together to bring out the best in each other, it makes the entire process so much more enjoyable.”

The positive vibes on set have translated into international interest. Yapan revealed that “Talahib” secured a distribution deal with Hollywood-based EST N8, aiming to expand the Filipino film market globally. “They’ve already secured rights for screenings across Asia, excluding the Philippines of course,” he shared. “They’re basically waiting for the local premiere before taking it international.”

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