Nokturno (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online and Stream
Jamie, an overseas worker, returns to her home province after her sister dies. She discovers that there is a curse over their family, and must face her past to save her soul from the entity known as the Kumakatok.
Released on October 31, 2024, Nokturno promises a chilling experience grounded in the rich folklore of the Philippines. Directed by Mikhael Red and starring Nadine Lustre, Bea Binene, Wilbert Ross, and Eula Valdez, this film explores a dark familial curse haunting a returning OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) named Jamie. Exclusively available on Prime Video, Nokturno presents viewers with a suspenseful narrative that combines horror, drama, and cultural symbolism. But does the film deliver on its promise, or is it merely a missed opportunity?
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the plot, performances, and cinematography to see if Nokturno is worth a spot on your watchlist. Plus, we’ll guide you on how to watch Nokturno online in the United States.
Nokturno (2024) Plot Overview
Nokturno introduces Jamie, a hardworking OFW, who returns to her hometown after the sudden death of her sister. Her grief is compounded by the discovery of a family curse, connected to the sinister Kumakatok, a mysterious entity that emerges at night, knocking on doors to claim lives. As Jamie attempts to uncover the truth and protect herself, she grapples with haunting secrets from her past and the creeping dread of the supernatural force that haunts her family.
The film’s narrative is enriched by traditional Filipino folklore, which gives Nokturno a distinct cultural identity. However, the pacing is often inconsistent, with some scenes stretching on with little development, while the horror elements seem underused. Despite the intriguing premise, the story occasionally feels dragged out, leaving audiences wanting more intensity in certain scenes.
Characterization and Acting Performance
The cast of Nokturno brings a mixed bag of performances, with Nadine Lustre in the lead role. Known for her compelling performance in Never Not Love You, Lustre’s portrayal in Nokturno falls somewhat short. The restrained expressions and subdued reactions make it challenging to fully empathize with Jamie’s terror, especially as her character faces supernatural horrors.
On the other hand, Eula Valdez, Bea Binene, and Wilbert Ross stand out in their roles. Valdez’s effortless portrayal adds gravitas, while Binene and Ross bring depth to their characters. Ross, in particular, surprises audiences with a dark, serious performance that contrasts with his typical comedic roles. The supporting characters, however, feel somewhat underdeveloped, lacking distinct personalities and purpose within the storyline.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Mikhael Red, known for visually arresting films, attempts to create a haunting atmosphere in Nokturno. However, the film occasionally struggles with excessive darkness in scenes, making it difficult to grasp certain visuals even with adjusted brightness. While this adds a layer of mystery, it also detracts from the viewer’s experience, as critical scenes lose their impact due to poor visibility.
There are a few genuinely eerie moments, especially involving the Kumakatok entity. However, the limited screen time and the fragmented horror scenes might leave horror enthusiasts unsatisfied. The potential for an unsettling exploration of Philippine folklore is evident but underutilized, with some viewers feeling that the supernatural elements would have been better suited to a short film format rather than a feature-length one.
Themes and Symbolism
The film explores several themes, from family issues to the haunting weight of tradition and superstition. Jamie’s journey home becomes more than just a physical return—it’s a confrontation with her family’s dark history and the consequences of generational trauma. Through the Kumakatok, Nokturno delves into the concept of fate and destiny, a theme resonant with Filipino culture. Yet, the movie fails to fully develop these thematic undertones, leaving viewers with questions rather than resolutions.
Where to Watch Nokturno Online in the USA
Nokturno is exclusively available on Prime Video for streaming, making it easily accessible for American audiences. Prime Video users can either stream the movie as part of their subscription or, for non-subscribers, rent or purchase the film directly on Amazon.
For those without an Amazon Prime subscription, the rental and purchase options provide flexibility. Once rented, the movie remains available for a 30-day period, allowing viewers ample time to experience the eerie narrative. If you’re interested in exploring Filipino cinema or enjoy supernatural horror with a unique cultural twist, Nokturno is worth checking out on Prime Video.
Final Verdict
Nokturno (2024) has the potential to be a memorable horror experience, especially with its unique incorporation of Filipino folklore and its talented cast. However, due to its pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and limited use of its supernatural elements, the film may not fully satisfy dedicated horror fans. The atmospheric buildup and the concept of the Kumakatok, while fascinating, seem sidelined in favor of drawn-out family drama, detracting from the overall horror experience.
Pros:
- Engaging folklore-based plot
- Strong performances from Eula Valdez, Bea Binene, and Wilbert Ross
- Culturally rich thematic elements
Cons:
- Pacing issues and underdeveloped characters
- Inconsistent horror elements
- Overly dark scenes detract from visuals
Conclusion
If you’re intrigued by horror films that explore cultural legends, Nokturno might be worth a watch. However, don’t go in expecting a non-stop thrill ride. The movie’s slow pace and lack of consistent scares may leave some viewers wanting more. It’s a unique film that brings attention to Philippine folklore, but could have benefited from tighter storytelling and a sharper focus on its horror elements.
Ready for a supernatural journey rooted in Philippine folklore? Watch Nokturno (2024) on Prime Video and let us know if you found it spooky enough to leave you sleeping with the lights on!
