The Caretakers (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Caretakers (2025) is a psychological eco-horror film that combines supernatural horror with deep emotional and social themes. Directed by Shugo Praico and co-written by John Carlo Pacala, the film stars two of the Philippines’ most celebrated actresses, Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana, in a gripping tale of survival, motherhood, and the horrors that emerge when nature is disturbed.
With its eerie atmosphere, slow-burning tension, and a shocking finale, The Caretakers is a refreshing addition to Filipino horror cinema. But does it fully deliver on its promise of terror and suspense? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the movie’s strengths, weaknesses, and its potential availability on streaming platforms, particularly in the Philippines.
Plot Summary
The film follows Audrey (Iza Calzado), a woman who returns to a remote ancestral property with her daughters, intending to sell it amid her ongoing separation from her husband. However, they soon encounter Lydia (Dimples Romana), the land’s caretaker, who has been living there with her own children for years.
Tensions rise as both women claim ownership of the land—Audrey as the legal heir and Lydia as the long-time protector. But as Audrey pushes forward with her plans to sell, eerie occurrences begin to unfold. A mysterious entity, deeply tied to the land, emerges, forcing both families to confront terrifying truths about the land’s past and their own fates.
What follows is a slow-burn horror story filled with psychological tension, social commentary, and a monstrous revelation that changes everything.
Performance and Direction
Iza Calzado & Dimples Romana’s Powerful Performances
The heart of The Caretakers lies in its two leads. Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana deliver exceptional performances, making their characters feel authentic and emotionally charged. Their on-screen chemistry as two mothers fighting for their families elevates the film beyond a typical horror flick.
Calzado brings a sense of desperation and strength to Audrey, portraying a woman struggling with personal and financial instability. On the other hand, Romana’s portrayal of Lydia is equally compelling, with a raw intensity that makes her character’s motivations understandable, even as the conflict escalates.
Shugo Praico’s Direction
Director Shugo Praico does a fantastic job blending supernatural horror with real-world themes of displacement, entitlement, and environmental destruction. The film’s slow-burn approach might not appeal to everyone, but it allows tension to build gradually, leading to an intense and horrifying climax.
What Works and What Doesn’t?
✅ Strengths
- Psychological and Social Depth – Unlike conventional horror films, The Caretakers offers a thought-provoking look at themes like land ownership, generational trauma, and humanity’s relationship with nature.
- Atmospheric Horror – The cinematography and eerie sound design effectively create an unsettling atmosphere, keeping viewers on edge.
- Powerful Acting – The performances by the lead actresses bring emotional weight to the film.
- Strong Third Act – The final act is intense and filled with jaw-dropping revelations that redefine the entire story.
❌ Weaknesses
- Slow Pacing – Some parts of the movie drag, especially in the first half. A tighter script could have helped maintain the suspense.
- Lack of Consistent Scares – While the film builds psychological tension well, horror fans expecting frequent jump scares might be disappointed.
Where to Watch The Caretakers (2025) Online in the Philippines?
As of now, The Caretakers is not yet available for streaming. However, based on previous releases from Regal Entertainment and Rein Entertainment, here are some likely platforms where the movie could be available in the near future:
🔹 Netflix Philippines
Regal Entertainment has had a history of partnering with Netflix for Filipino horror films. Given the film’s high-profile cast and production, it is possible that The Caretakers could be released on Netflix Philippines within a few months after its theatrical run.
🔹 VivaMax
VivaMax has been a go-to streaming platform for many local horror films. If The Caretakers does not land on Netflix, VivaMax is another strong contender.
🔹 Amazon Prime Video
Some Filipino horror films have made their way to Amazon Prime Video, though this is less common. However, it remains a possibility for international audiences.
🔹 iWantTFC
Since The Caretakers is a Filipino production, iWantTFC, ABS-CBN’s streaming service, could also acquire digital rights.
If you’re eager to watch The Caretakers online, keep an eye on these platforms for announcements regarding its streaming availability.
Final Verdict: Is The Caretakers Worth Watching?
Despite its pacing issues, The Caretakers is a solid horror film that offers a unique blend of psychological, supernatural, and folk horror. It delivers strong performances, a haunting atmosphere, and a thrilling final act that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
If you’re looking for a horror movie that goes beyond the usual jump scares and instead offers a meaningful story with real-world themes, The Caretakers is definitely worth a watch.
Pros:
✔ Strong performances from Iza Calzado & Dimples Romana
✔ Atmospheric horror & eerie cinematography
✔ Thought-provoking themes
✔ Intense final act
Cons:
✖ Slow pacing in the first half
✖ Not enough scares for traditional horror fans
Stay Tuned for Streaming Updates!
If you’re excited to watch The Caretakers online, bookmark this page or follow official streaming platforms for the latest updates on its digital release.
👉 Which upcoming horror movie are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!
