Season of the Devil 2018
"Pain in melodic form."
Lav Diaz's Season of the Devil (2018) unfolds in the politically charged Philippines of the late 1970s, a time when martial law casts a long, oppressive shadow over rural life.
Director: Lav Diaz
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Season of the Devil (2018) about?
Set during the late 1970s in the Philippines under martial law, the film centers on a young doctor who runs a free clinic for the poor while her activist husband searches for her after she disappears. The story explores themes of oppression, resistance, and the personal toll of political struggle.
Who directed Season of the Devil?
Season of the Devil was directed by Lav Diaz, the acclaimed Filipino filmmaker known for his epic, slow-cinema style that blends social commentary with poetic realism.
Who stars in Season of the Devil?
The film stars Piolo Pascual, Shaina Magdayao, Pinky Amador, Bituin Escalante, and Hazel Orencio in key roles.
Is Season of the Devil (2018) worth watching?
For fans of slow cinema and politically charged dramas, Season of the Devil offers a deeply atmospheric and thought-provoking experience. Its stark visuals and emotional depth may resonate strongly, though its long runtime and abstract style aren't for casual viewers.
How long is Season of the Devil?
Season of the Devil has a runtime of 232 minutes, or nearly four hours.
🎥 Trailer
About Season of the Devil (2018) — Lav Diaz's haunting folk epic of 1970s Philippines
Lav Diaz's Season of the Devil (2018) unfolds in the politically charged Philippines of the late 1970s, a time when martial law casts a long, oppressive shadow over rural life. The film follows a determined young doctor, Lorena, who bravely opens a clinic to serve the poor despite the ever-present threat of a military-backed militia. When she vanishes without a trace, her husband—a passionate poet turned activist—embarks on a relentless search that uncovers the raw brutality and psychological toll of authoritarian rule. Shot in Diaz's signature austere style, the movie weaves poetic imagery with harrowing realism, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and melancholy.
With a runtime of nearly four hours, Season of the Devil immerses viewers in a world where every note of folk music and every whispered conversation carries the weight of resistance. The cast, led by Piolo Pascual and Shaina Magdayao, delivers performances that are as haunting as the film's lush black-and-white cinematography. As the search for Lorena unravels, the story asks probing questions about sacrifice, love, and the cost of defiance in a land where silence is often the only form of survival.