The Final Stand: ‘Hightown’ Season 3 Marks the End of an Epic Journey

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Brace for a storm as the last chapter of the crime series Hightown streams on Lionsgate Play.

Hightown Season 3 is now on Lionsgate Play! The gripping crime series is an emotional rollercoaster that follows Jackie Quiñonez's (Monica Raymund), a National Marine Fisheries Service agent struggling to maintain her sobriety amidst the harrowing opioid crisis plaguing Cape Cod. 

In Season 2, viewers witnessed Jackie's pursuit to establish herself as a cop and seek justice for a tragic loss. In the third and final season, beliefs will be challenged, loyalties tested, and Jackie will navigate a path where she must learn to stand firm for her convictions.

On her initial thoughts on Hightown heroine Jackie, Monica Raymundo says, “I was really intrigued by how messy she was and how imperfect, flawed, and dark. I wanted to explore… these phases of life that all of us go through, these messy I-don’t-know phases… and like, living in that immaturity before we really start to sort of know who we are. So when I read the script I was intrigued by how she skirts the line of light and darkness. Who she is in private vs. who she is in public.”

Reflecting on his experience working on the show, Atkins Estimond, who plays ambitious lieutenant Osito Delgado, says,"One of the best cast and crews that I've ever had the opportunity to work with... Everybody here really cares about each other, but also, we really care about this project. We really care about this show... It's just been a real gift and a treasure to be on this show."

‘Senorita 89’ Unmasks the Dark Secrets of Beauty Pageants in 1980s Mexico

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In the thrilling telenovela’s second season, the 90s are in full swing, and the search for a new Miss Mexico is dirtier than ever.

Following a dramatic first season, the glamorous Mexican telenovela Senorita 89 is back to deliver more dark secrets from the world of beauty pageants. After Isabel (Natasha Dupeyrón) was crowned queen in Season 1 and Concepcion’s (Ilse Salas) luxurious La Encantada empire fell apart, the story shifts into the 90s and follows the battle between Mexico's two main television networks to crown the next queen. But while Isabel does everything to hold on to the crown, the arrival of a new queen threatens to undo her hard work and take everything from her.

Season 2 introduces new series regulars, including Dolores Heredia (El Galán) as La Madrina, mother of the cartels, and Yoshira Escárrega (Toda La Sangre) as Maribel Montaño, a.k.a. La Santa.

Senorita 89’s riveting drama continues to be an eye-opening watch for political thriller fans everywhere. It maintains its focus on addressing relevant issues such as misogyny, beauty stereotypes, and the objectification of women while showing the power of female solidarity, the weight of resilience, and the importance of challenging the status quo.

Talking about what Season 2 will bring, series showrunner and creator Lucia Puenzo told Deadline: “After the incredible reception of the first season, both in Mexico and the rest of the world, it was an immense joy to receive the confirmation that there would be a second season.”

Puenzo adds, “In the second season, our protagonists have understood that nothing is achieved by asking for forgiveness or permission. They are ready to set fire to all limits, borders, privileges… and break once and for, all the stereotypes that say that only princesses have the right to exist.”

Uncover what lies under the glitz and glamour of pageantry with Senorita 89 Season 2, streaming on Lionsgate Play this March 15.

Helen Mirren Gives a Nuanced Performance as Controversial Historical Figure Golda Meir in ‘Golda’

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In Golda, Helen Mirren portrays controversial Israeli leader Golda Meir as neither hero nor villain, but as a complex leader who made difficult decisions under extraordinary circumstances.

A riveting thriller, Golda is a must-see for history buffs and fans of political dramas. Transporting audiences to the heart of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, it recounts a period marked by intense conflict and uncertainty for Israel. Over the course of 19 nail-biting days, Prime Minister Golda Meir, portrayed with gritty determination by Helen Mirren, finds herself at the epicenter of a crisis that threatens the very existence of her nation.

With the shadow of Israel's total annihilation looming, Meir must outmaneuver her doubtful cabinet and navigate a complex web of international relations, particularly with the enigmatic US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (Liev Schreiber). As the clock ticks down, Meir's unwavering leadership and deep compassion are put to the ultimate test, with millions of lives hanging in the balance. Golda is a story of resilience, strategy, and the heavy burden of leadership, leaving viewers to ponder the controversial legacy of one of the world's most formidable political figures.

On portraying such a complex and divisive figure on screen, Helen Mirren told BBC News:  "All I'm doing is playing Golda during the period of the Yom Kippur War. I'm not explaining her, rationalizing her, or reappraising her. I'm just playing a woman of that age dealing with that situation.”

Meanwhile, director Guy Nativ says that this film explores Meir's complicated legacy instead of simply hailing her as a hero: “I was raised with a narrative that we were stronger, more powerful, and that we won. Golda Meir was a hero. However, what I learned throughout my adult years is that it's not the case. It was a dreadful war; we lost almost 3000 soldiers. There was a big failure with a lot of units. Within this, I found Meir to be a fascinating character, very complicated. Aside from a TV movie in the 1980s, no one had tackled her character in such depth.”

Witness Helen Mirren delivers a powerhouse performance as Golda Meir in Golda, premiering exclusively on Lionsgate Play this March 8.

●       Directed by: Guy Nattiv

●       Screenplay by: Nicholas Martin

●   Cast: Helen Mirren, Camille Cottin, Ellie Piercy, Rami Heuberger, Lior Ashkenazi, Liev Schreiber, Dominic Mafham, Ed Stoppard, Henry Goodman

●       Producers: Michael Kuhn, Jane Hooks, Nicholas Martin

●       Exec. Producers: Louise Nathanson, Anna Vincent, Celine Rattray

Official synopsis:

Golda, a ticking-clock thriller sharing the intensely dramatic events, high-stake responsibilities, and controversial decisions that Meir – also known as the ‘Iron Lady of Israel’ – faced during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Her actions, in impossible circumstances, would ultimately decide the fate of millions of lives.

What Filipinos Need to Know About BAFTAs 2024 - UK’s Biggest Entertainment Awards that will LIVE stream on Lionsgate Play in the Philippines

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Get a front-row seat to the action with Lionsgate Play

If the U.S. has the Academy Awards and The Golden Globes, then the UK has the British Academy Film Awards, more commonly known as the BAFTAs. This prestigious awards ceremony celebrates and recognizes the best in British and international film talent, and this year, Filipino film enthusiasts will be able to experience the excitement live, as Lionsgate Play will be bringing the 2024 BAFTAs straight to their screens in real time.

Understanding the passion of Filipino fans for globally recognized film events, Lionsgate Play aims to make this glamorous night one to remember by delivering the show directly to local screens. Earlier this year, the platform streamed the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and the 81st Golden Globe Awards.

The 2024 BAFTAs will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 7 PM GMT. Filipino audiences can join in the festivities in real time by tuning into Lionsgate Play on Monday, February 19, 3 AM. The entire program will also be available for streaming on-demand, so everyone has the chance to watch the highlights whenever they want!

Here's what they can look forward to:

The best of the best in film

When it comes to nominations, Oppenheimer is at the forefront with an impressive 13 nods, followed closely by Poor Things with 11, and both Killers of the Flower Moon and The Zone of Interest with nine each. Other notable films such as Anatomy of a Fall, The Holdovers, Maestro, All of Us Strangers, Barbie, and Saltburn also feature prominently in this year's nominations, showcasing the diverse range of cinematic masterpieces that have graced our screens in the past year.

Hosting by David Tennant

Renowned actor David Tennant will grace the stage as the host of the ceremony, bringing his unique charm and wit to the proceedings. Audiences worldwide look forward to the actor’s distinctive flair in hosting, which promises to make the evening even more memorable..

How to watch the BAFTAs LIVE

To access the live broadcast of the BAFTAs, simply subscribe to Lionsgate Play and prepare for an unmatched viewing experience.

Join us in celebrating excellent storytelling and performances that have captured the imagination of audiences the world over. With Lionsgate Play, the magic of the BAFTAs is just a click away. Mark your calendars for the must-watch event of the year!

BAFTA to LIVE stream on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home in the Philippines on Monday, February 19th at 3AM

These Intriguing Movies and TV Series on Lionsgate Play are Inspired by Real Events

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 Dive into dramatic retellings of historical thrills with exciting titles exclusively on Lionsgate Play.

Lionsgate Play’s best blasts from the past are sure to pique anyone’s interest. Get lost in stories about political intrigues, surviving a natural disaster, and the lives of extraordinary individuals you won’t soon forget. These shows and films let the past unfold on the screen in a captivating blend of entertainment and historical accuracy that will have you glued to your seats (and even falling into Internet rabbit holes afterward). So buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable journey through time!

Gaslit (2022)

Gaslit is a fresh look into the 1972 Watergate scandal, a major political scandal involving President Richard Nixon, which eventually led to his resignation. It focuses on the untold story of Martha Mitchell (Julia Roberts), the wife of John Mitchell (Sean Penn), Nixon’s Attorney General who played a role in the scandal. Robbie Pickering’s political thriller is also based on the podcast Slow Burn by Leon Neyfakh and is a gripping tale of a brave woman standing her ground amidst political lies. Roberts’ gripping performance got her nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.

Watch Gaslit on Lionsgate Play.

The Impossible (2014)

An idyllic vacation takes a nightmarish turn in disaster-drama film The Impossible. Maria Bennett (Naomi Watts) and her husband Henry Bennett (Ewan McGregor) are enjoying a Christmas holiday at a Thai resort when a tsunami sweeps the peaceful resort and breaks their family apart. In the chaos that follows, Maria desperately finds a way to reunite her family. The film is based on the real-life story of the Belon-Alvarez family, miraculous survivors of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Watch The Impossible on Lionsgate Play.

Papillon (2017)

This 2017 drama tells the story of real-life French convict Henri Charrière (Charlie Hunnam), a Parisian safecracker known in the underworld as "Papillon" (butterfly). In 1933, he was wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in the notorious Devil's Island penal colony in French Guiana. There, he forms an alliance with another convict, counterfeiter Louis Dega (Rami Malek) as they attempt daring escapes. Papillon is based Charrière's international best-selling autobiographical books Papillon and Banco.

Watch Papillon on Lionsgate Play.

 

Hotel Mumbai (2019)

Hotel Mumbai is an action-thriller film inspired by the 2008 Mumbai attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace in India. A storm of terror erupts after the Lashkar-e-Taiba organization launches coordinated attacks across the city, including the hotel. Meanwhile, a humble waiter,

Arjun (Dev Patel), rises above his duties and risks everything to guide terrified patrons to safety, especially a British heiress, her husband, and their infant.

Watch Hotel Mumbai on Lionsgate Play.

 

Green Book (2018)

In 1960s southern America, an Afrian-American pianist (Mahershala Ali) about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South recruits an Italian American bouncer (Viggo Mortensen) to drive him through his venues. Throughout the journey, the pair develop an unlikely bond, confronting racism and prejudice while discovering the value of friendship beyond social barriers.

Watch Green Book on Lionsgate Play.

The Final Score (2022)

Pablo Gonzales’ The Final Score chronicles Colombian soccer defender Andres Esobar’s (Juan Pablo Urrego) illustrious life that tragically ended in 1994. The six-part layered mini-series delves into the complicated relationship of several Colombian national team players, mired with drug trafficking and culminating in the 1994 World Cup goal and Escobar’s murder.

Watch The Final Score on Lionsgate Play.

Immerse yourself in these captivating titles only on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home

 

Stream Hollywood’s biggest awards shows of 2024 live and on-demand in one subscription

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Viewers from the Philippines can watch the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice exclusively on Lionsgate Play powered by PLDT Home

The start of a new year means the start of another awards season honoring the best of the best in Hollywood, and 2024 has already hit the ground running. The great thing is screen buffs in the Philippines get a virtual front-row seat to all the ceremonies, thanks to the live broadcasts and on-demand streaming on Lionsgate Play.

Get ready to cheer on big silverscreen hits like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Killers of the Flower Moon, as well as TV gems such as The Bear, Ted Lasso, Succession, House of the Dragon, and so much more at the 2024 Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards this January.

The 81st Golden Globe Awards, which already aired on January 8, 2024, saw the finest masterpieces from cinema and television score monumental wins. Prestigious director Christopher Nolan’s historical drama Oppenheimer won Best Motion Picture, with its lead actor Cillian Murphy playing the eponymous physicist winning Best Actor, among numerous other awards. Barbie led the show with nine total nominations, taking home the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award. Over on TV, HBO’s Succession won Best Drama, Netflix’s Beef won Best Limited Series, and FX’s The Bear won Best Musical or Comedy. The Golden Globes ceremony is now available to stream on-demand on Lionsgate Play.

Coming up on January 15, 8AM Philippine time, is the Critics’ Choice Awards, hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler. Barbie continues to lead the nominations with 18 total, and Apple TV drama The Morning Show leads television with six total. Powerhouses such as Emma Stone starrer Poor Things, recent Asian favorite Past Lives, Disney’s Loki, Netflix’s The Crown, HBO’s The Last of Us, May December, American Fiction, and more are competing for various awards.

Capping off the awards slate in January is none other than the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, celebrating the crème de la crème ontelevision. Succession leads the way with 14 total nominations, while contemporary favorites The Bear, Ted Lasso, Barry, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, Beef, as well as HBO dark comedy The White Lotus, ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary, AMC’s Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul, Amazon comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel allvying for major awards. The Emmys will air on January 16, 9AM Philippine time, and will be available on-demand afterwards.

For big screen buffs, the kickoff of the 2024 awards season is absolutely can’t-miss. Thanks to its partnership with Lionsgate Play, PLDT Home provides unlimited entertainment as customers get an exclusive rate on a Lionsgate Play subscription at only P79/month. On top of the prestigious awards shows, Lionsgate Play’s full roster of TV and movie offerings are available to stream at any time on the platform, giving Filipinos the ultimate in streaming they want and deserve at home.

Find out more about Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home and subscribe now by visiting https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay.

One Year and Counting: Lionsgate Play & PLDT Home Celebrate a Successful Partnership in the Philippines

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Lionsgate Play (LGP) and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) have just marked a significant milestone as they celebrate the first anniversary of their successful partnership. Over the past year, this collaboration has seen the video-on-demand (VOD) platform build strong brand awareness and generate massive trial rates -- the highest ever in PLDT history.

June 2022, wasn't the easiest time to launch a VOD service. It was right after the pandemic, and many Filipinos had already gotten accustomed to other VOD services. Yet LGP stepped up to the challenge, differentiating itself quickly from the competition with its edgy, irreverent, and high-octane titles.

Evert Chris Miranda - PLDT Home Vice President & Digital Services Head 

of Product & Marketing

#PlayMoreBrowseLess

Though Lionsgate Studios owns a vast library of over 17,000 titles, they don't overwhelm the audience with an excessive amount of releases. Instead, LGP curates a selection of content to captivate the audience, enabling their audience to #PlayMoreBrowseLess. To do so, LGP draws on the most exciting current releases with exclusive rights to premiere TV shows from LGP’s US parent network STARZ, as well as smash hits from the premium Lionsgate library. From time to time, LGP also secures Academy Award®-winning films from other studios.

“Since the grand launch of the partnership in June 2022, PLDT Home's collaboration with Lionsgate Play has introduced a fresh wave of entertainment to its valued Filipino customers,” says Evert Miranda, PLDT Home Vice President and Digital Services Head of Product & Marketing (Beyond Access). “The partnership allowed customers to immerse themselves in a world of unlimited entertainment courtesy of Lionsgate Play’s wide array of international and award-winning content.”

Over the past year, the LGP audience gravitated towards LGP's box-office titles, which include franchises like John Wick, Hunger Games, Twilight, and Saw. Bruce Willis' new, never-before-seen movies like APEX and Corrective Measures were popular watches, as were unique, intriguing series like Spartacus, Power, Gaslit  and The Serpent Queen.

LGP subscribers can continue to look forward to exclusive titles like the high-adrenaline, action-packed series like Heels, Gangs of London, Kandahar, and Gray; and new Lionsgate films like One Ranger and Fear the Night. LGP will also be exclusively live-streaming The Emmy Awards for the second year in a row, with seven of its titles receiving nominations.

The secret to LGP's success

LGP's partnership with PLDT was key to their success. PLDT took the bold step to give their subscribers 12 months of access to LGP. And because PLDT is lauded for being the country's fastest fixed internet by Ookla, PLDT subscribers were able to enjoy LGP titles with fast, reliable internet.

Amit Dhanuka, Lionsgate Play Executive Vice President

"We have been the torchbearers in understanding that partnerships are essential in this market to grow subscribers," says Amit Dhanuka, LGP Executive Vice President. "The growth is skewed towards the partnerships because they open up a larger funnel than what we would be able to get ourselves. These partnerships took time to evolve. So, we had a lot of customers come onto the platform earlier and they have stayed. Now, the partnerships are driving subscriber growth."

"As we celebrate the anniversary of this successful partnership, we eagerly anticipate Lionsgate Play's commitment to enriching the platform with an expanded selection of content," adds Miranda. "With the introduction of paid subscriptions, we hope to witness the arrival of highly anticipated releases such as John Wick 4 and other upcoming masterpieces from Lionsgate and Starz. Our ultimate goal is to provide Filipino homes with the best of the best in entertainment.”

 

Enjoy Lionsgate Play’s roster of suspenseful Asian thrillers at the comfort of your home - Here are 5 Horror Flicks That Will Haunt Your Nightmares

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Love Asian Horror? 

Here are 5 Horror Flicks That Will Haunt Your Nightmares        

Every avid horror movie fan knows that Asian horror is in a league of its own. It’s an artful mix of hair-raising stories rooted in cultural beliefs and traditions, psychological issues, and graphic and violent scenes. Though they have their fair share of jumpscares, they don’t necessarily rely on them like most Western films. Asian horror movies create the creepiest atmospheres that heighten the viewer’s sense of dread and fear. The result? Cult classics that stay with the audience forever. So if you’re looking to spice up your watch parties, press play on these 5 Asian horror flicks available on Lionsgate Play.

Conjuring Spirit (2014)

Conjuring Spirit has solidified everyone’s opinions of ever owning a music box and/or daring to live in decrepit, run-down apartments. The horror flick follows Lan, a novelist who moves to an apartment with her son, Bi, to start a new life. Her landlady gives her a music box and also informs her that her apartment might be haunted by the ghost of a woman who was murdered years ago. Soon, Lan enlists the help of her neighbor, Vu, a budding musician, to solve the mystery and survive the haunting. Aside from having the winning formula for Asian horror flicks (including petrifying jumpscares and an awesome twist to boot), Conjuring Spirit also sprinkles a bit of comedy in an otherwise terrifying film.

Kidan Piece of Darkness (2016)

Kidan Piece of Darkness is an anthology horror film composed of 10 tales based on Japanese author Fuyumi Ono’s best-selling books. The stories are tied together by a woman reading letters from her listeners about their own supernatural experiences. Kidan Piece of Darkness is the perfect watch for horror enthusiasts who want to take a break from full-length horror films but still get the same jaw-dropping, heart-lurching payoff. Ten directors had a hand in bringing Ono’s stories to life, including Mari Asato, who’s best known for directing horror and thriller movies Ju-On: Black Ghost (2009) and Under Your Bed (2019).

Japanese Doll of Terror (2019)

There’s no shortage of horror films about murderous dolls. Japanese Doll of Terror’s take on a familiar plot comes with its own vintage, albeit eerie, charm plus a few twists up its sleeve. It follows university students Yuri and Masato, poised to have the time of their lives at a campground party. But things turn deadly when a cursed doll starts to attack and won’t stop until the whole party is dead.

3AM (2015)

Malaysian anthology horror flick 3AM gives a whole new meaning to an hour we’re collectively wary of, the “devil’s hour.” This 5-part series includes stories sharing the common themes of vengefulness and karmic retribution. Each story is about wrathful spirits turning innocent victims’ lives into a nightmare – a spiteful office spirit, a college student with a dark agenda, a scorned woman out for revenge, friends stuck in a haunted forest never to make it out alive, and a taxi driver-turned-killer. 3AM promises spooks, thrills, and nightmares that are definitely not for the faint of heart.

Ghost Wedding (2021)

Ghost Wedding is inspired by a 3,000-year-old Chinese tradition of a posthumous wedding to appease spirits and ensure their passage in the afterlife. In the movie, Zhi Cheng, a photographer, is haunted by a “woman in red,” and his relatives tragically die,  one by one. After learning about ghost brides, he enlists the help of a friend to investigate the legend. But as they unravel the secret of a “ghost marriage,” the malevolent spirit of the ghost bride will stop at nothing to get her revenge.

Tune into Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home and catch all of these thrilling Asian horror flicks!

 

‘There’s Something Primal About Water and Rebirth’: Lead Writer Peter McTighe on The Rising’s Powerful Opening Scene

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What would it be like to live in a different plane of existence? Watch Neve Kelly (Clara Rugaard) navigate through this exact horrifying predicament in The Rising, an 8-part British crime drama with a supernatural twist. Neve uses her newfound paranormal abilities to seek justice and catch her killer. But as she digs deeper into her life, buried secrets start to rise, and Neve — along with the audience — starts to piece together clues to the puzzle of her murder.

Dive into the world of The Rising as its creators and actors talk more about filming the supernatural murder mystery series

Buzzing with excitement for the whole world to enjoy their masterpiece, the show’s lead writer and executive producer share why they chose to film in the chilly mountains of England’s Lake District and what made them decide on the show’s powerful opening scene.

Talking about why they picked the Lake District as the show’s setting, Julian Stevens, executive producer, said, The Lake District is this ancient space that has this sense of isolation that we wanted to portray in this. The exterior locations are a combination of the Lake District and the Peak District. It gives us this sense of epic scale and enclosure, that sense of the mountains surrounding you and you feeling very tiny in that landscape. That’s what we tried to capture in that opening scene how much of a little dot Neve would be in the lake and how terrifying it would be to find yourself in that situation.

Asked if the story’s powerful opening sequence of Neve floating in the lake was planned from the beginning, lead writer and executive producer Peter McTighe said, “Yes, it was there from the beginning. There is something primal about water and rebirth. I wanted the show to be anchored by the environment and the elements. The Lake District and the Peak District where we shot play a huge part in setting the mood and tone much like Twin Peaks did back in the day – the way that David Lynch and Mark Frost used that landscape is so evocative.”

Looking back to when they filmed the show, The Rising’s lead cast recall filming in the freezing water and how the show’s setting made an impact on them as actors.

Lead actress Clara Rugaard who plays Neve Kelly and who spent the most time submerged in the lake, recounts her experience and said, “Ooh, bit nippy. I mean it was fun. It’s fun to complain in the moment because it was freezing and my lips were blue but you come away with such amazing experiences. I would never have done that had I not had to. It was invigorating. I do take cold showers from time to time now after that because of the whole Wim Hof idea. But it was freezing.”

Solly McLeod who plays Joseph Wyatt, Neve Kelly’s boyfriend, also talked about his fair share of wading in the freezing water: “It was really good fun, but it was cold. It was the first day of filming for me. I was literally thrown in the deep end of a 50 ft to100 ft deep lake. That was probably just what I needed. Any nervousness I had was washed away by this ice cold water. It was super-hard-hitting, super-emotional. So to get that out of the way and be around all the other cast was really good. I was so immersed in it.”

 

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Official synopsis: Neve Kelly (Clara Rugaard) is dead. Understandably, she’s scared and confused by this new (non) existence, but moreover, when she realizes she has been murdered, she’s furious. Determined to find her killer and get justice, she takes advantage of her new supernatural abilities to investigate her own death. In doing so, she uncovers deeply buried secrets and is forced to re-examine everything about her life and the people she cared about.

About Lionsgate Play

Lionsgate Play, a premium streaming service from Lionsgate India and Starz, offers bespoke quality content to its users. It boasts premium and curated content including Premieres, billion-dollar Franchise Movies and binge-worthy Box Sets. Lionsgate Play is accessible to consumers in the Philippines via the app. For a monthly subscription cost of PHP 79, the titles can be streamed with a PLDT Home account.

For more information about Lionsgate Play Philippines, visit lionsgateplay.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

 

About PLDT Home

PLDT Home is trusted by Filipinos to deliver the fastest internet connection and future-ready innovations to their homes. It is the only telco in the Philippines that has received the most prestigious “Fastest Fixed Internet, Five Years In a Row” award at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards™ 2022 – a first for PLDT and the Philippines. Enabling moments that bring the family closer together, PLDT Home offers unli-entertainment including Lionsgate Play and its library of award-winning titles.

Weekend watchlist: 10 most haunting horror and thriller flicks to catch on Lionsgate Play

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Frights and scares continue with these fan favorites – watch them all uninterrupted only with PLDT Home!

(Photo credits: Twisted Pictures)

The Halloween season is here and with the long weekend approaching, it’s indeed the best time to enjoy some horror and thriller guilty pleasures in peace and (creepy) quiet.

PLDT Home customers can easily watch many of these blockbusters on Lionsgate Play by simply activating their free Lionsgate Play vouchers online until June 1, 2023. With every activation, PLDT Home customers will not only enjoy a scare-fest — they’ll also get the chance to win special prizes including a 65” LG OLED TV as part of the monthly raffle promo.

So, get your Lionsgate Play app and popcorn ready. Here are 10 of the spookiest flicks to make the next few days of vacay a weekend-long — yikes! — nightmare!

Saw (movie series)

There are now nine Saw movies in the psychological thriller franchise featuring the serial killer Jigsaw. With the titular character testing his victims’ will to survive and skill at sawing off their limbs to find the key for their restraints, the Saw series takes you to witness the poor victims’ horrifying self-mutilation to save their loved ones. Lionsgate Play features Saw II, Saw IV, Saw VI, Saw: The Final Chapter, and Jigsaw.

Scream 4

The Scream franchise that started in 1996 produced one of the most popular Halloween costumes in history — Ghostface. In this fourth installment, Sidney Prescott from the first film’s set of protagonists returns to Woodsboro where the Ghostface Killer once terrorized. She is keen to promote her self-help book and to meet some old friends — and perhaps including an old friend.

The Grudge 2 and The Grudge 3

The sequels to the supernatural horror The Grudge follow the curse that’s born when someone dies in extreme rage or sorrow. The curse is an entity created where the death occurs and is passed from one victim to another. In The Grudge 2, the protagonists become haunted by Kayako (who was killed in a horrific manner in the first movie) all while trying to put an end to the curse. The Grudge 3 is set after the events of the second installment, with Kayako’s ghost attacking the protagonist in an asylum. The curse from the original film continues with new characters becoming possessed.

The Mist

Based on the novella by Stephen King, The Mist is a science-fiction horror film released in 2007. It revolves around a group of people from a small town in Maine who gets trapped in a supermarket following a power outage. An unnatural mist descends on the town and conceals monsters as tension rise among the survivors. Not only is this film chockful of scares — it also shows how the fear of the unknown and desperation can wreak havoc on one’s emotions.

Open Water 2: Adrift

A treat for fans of psychological thrillers, the story revolves around a group of friends who jump off a yacht to swim, but with no one having lowered the ladder for them to get back. Two people and a baby are on the boat until only the baby is left aboard. Hysteria, fighting, and deaths occur while they tread water and try to figure out how to survive. Lionsgate also features Open Water, the original film based on the true story of divers finding themselves marooned in shark-infested waters.

The Perfect Student

The crime thriller begins when a student is brutally murdered on campus and her body is thrown into the ocean. The police suspect her roommate Jordan, but well-respected criminology professor Nicole Johnson believes someone is trying to frame her student. She begins her own investigation to prove Jordan’s innocence. After she gets Jordan released, the professor finds herself in danger with doubts beginning to surface around the crime.

The Messengers

Produced by Sami Raimi mostly known for his horror and superhero genre work, this film features a family that moves into a house in North Dakota where a family murder had occurred. Supernatural things manifest in the new homeowners’ midst – with ghosts of the mother and her children appearing and black crows attacking. The new family soon discovers the horrifying secret of the farmhand that will put their entire family in danger. Lionsgate Play also features the prequel Messengers 2: The Scarecrow.

Wrong Turn

A man crashes his car on his way to a job interview and meets some others who are on a hiking trip. The group splits up with some venturing off into the woods — only to meet a group of mountain dwellers who now find them a threat. Expect suspense and gory chills in the backwoods as a fight for survival ensues.

Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2

The sequel to one of the scariest movies ever made features four young fans researching mythology and mass hysteria. They go on tour in the woods where the first movie was filmed, and various strange things happen as they descend into a night of murder, madness, and perception-bending supernatural horror. Scared out of their wits and questioned by the police later, they have their accounts contradicted by film footage that shows them committing rather horrific acts. Lionsgate Play also features the original film The Blair Witch Project.

Begin the scary binge with your family and friends at home only on Lionsgate Play powered by PLDT Home’s fastest internet speeds. By activating your Lionsgate Play voucher that’s exclusive with PLDT Home, you not only get to enjoy Lionsgate’s wide range of world-class shows – you also have a chance to win special smart home gadgets including an Anker Nebula Capsule II, a Samsung Freestyle projector, and an 65” LG OLED TV. 

Visit https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay-activation-raffle to join the promo.

Watch Emmy Awards 2022 live: Stream the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards from anywhere in the Philippines only on Lionsgate Play – powered by PLDT Home!

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A night of glitz, glamor, and good television awaits the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, with the small screen’s brightest stars congregating for their big moment. Viewers can expect another memorable and star-studded Emmys – from the stellar mix of shows that have redefined quality viewing the past year to Saturday Night Live’s longest-running cast member Kenan Thompson hosting this year’s program.

From anywhere in the Philippines, Filipinos can stream the Emmys 2022 live on September 13, 8 a.m. (Philippine time) as it happens at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Viewers can catch every bit of the awards show only on Lionsgate Play with their PLDT Home Fiber connection.

Next to frontunners Squid Game, Stranger Things, and Euphoria, Lionsgate Play series Gaslit ranks among the Emmy candidates ready to quietly stun the show with four nominations. The political docudrama bagged four nominations: Outstanding Cinematography For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup, Outstanding Sound Editing For A Limited Or Anthology Series, and Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Limited Or Anthology Series. Starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn, Gaslit centers around the lesser known characters that took part in the 1970s Watergate scandal.

Lionsgate Play fantasy comedy Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas starring Jane Levy and Skylar Astin also received nominations for Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming.

Gaslit starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn. Credit: Lionsgate Play

Bringing the much-anticipated annual television awards live for the first time on the platform, Lionsgate Executive Vice President Amit Dhanuka said, "Lionsgate Play is a premium streaming platform catering to a diverse set of audiences across the globe. It’s our constant endeavor to ensure the best of entertainment for our viewers – taking this thought further, we are delighted to livestream the 74th Emmy Awards® across three territories – India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. There have been some phenomenal performances both in front of and behind the camera. With exciting performances and glorious victories, this year is set to get more vibrant and regal.”

Stream the 74th Emmy Awards this September 13, 8 a.m. exclusively on Lionsgate Play and experience the fastest and most reliable connections powered by PLDT Home, the country’s fastest fixed broadband service five years running as awarded by Ookla. New and existing PLDT Home subscribers can enjoy Lionsgate Play’s wide library of world-class and award-winning shows and movies for free until June 1, 2023 by simply creating a Lionsgate Play account and redeeming their vouchers at https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay.

PLDT Home inks exclusive partnership with Lionsgate Play for the next big thing in streaming

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Lionsgate Play — the fast-growing Southeast Asian streaming platform of the global content studio behind major franchise properties such as John Wick, The Hunger Games, Power, and many more — launches in the Philippines this June

Enjoy a bigger, bolder, and more powerful entertainment viewing experience at home today as PLDT Home, the Philippines’ fastest broadband service provider, partners with premium streaming platform Lionsgate Play.

Lionsgate is a leading Hollywood studio that has created and distributed some of the world’s biggest properties, including the blockbuster film franchises The Hunger Games, Twilight Saga, John Wick, and Saw; and the television series Mad Men, one of the most acclaimed shows in television history. By simply subscribing to a PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1699 or up, Filipinos can enjoy and experience the best of global content across action, comedy, drama, horror, and thriller genres — and more of Lionsgate Play’s signature offerings from the comfort of one’s home.

"PLDT Home and Lionsgate are bringing entertainment straight from the box office into people’s homes. From the best love stories to the best of horror down to the most action-packed films and shows, the world’s best content is simply a push of a button away with Lionsgate Play for all new and existing PLDT-powered homes,” PLDT Home Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business-Home Group Jeremiah de la Cruz said. “This partnership is part of our continuing mission to provide our customers the fastest broadband connection in the country so that they can better stream their entertainment choices including the most exciting and irreverent stories from Lionsgate Play. Beyond PLDT-powered homes, Lionsgate Play shall also be available to Smart customers soon."

“Our endeavor has been to ensure viewers are provided with a curated lineup of great content, spread across genres for the best viewing experience,” Lionsgate Executive Vice President Amit Dhanuka said of the partnership. “Taking this forward, we are excited to partner with PLDT Home to launch Lionsgate Play in the Philippines. We are reaching out to a large and diverse sector of consumers with a digitally-driven offering enabling them to ‘play more, browse less.’ We look forward to more Filipinos enjoying the best of what Hollywood has to offer!”

Among the content available at the Philippine launch of Lionsgate Play is American crime drama Power. With rapper and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as executive producer, Power follows the triumph and trials of drug dealer James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick) as he tries to leave his life of crime behind to manage his own nightclub. Power is one of American premium cable TV’s most watched and highly-rated shows.

Also among Lionsgate Play’s banner content is futuristic action film Apex. This Bruce Willis starrer follows Thomas Malone (Willis) as a wrongfully-convicted prisoner given a chance at freedom.

Now available locally through Lionsgate Play is the critically-acclaimed drama Gaslit, starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn. The new series spotlights Martha Mitchell (Roberts), wife of former US President Nixon’s Attorney General John N. Mitchell, discovering the full extent of the Watergate scandal in the 70s.

Lionsgate Play also features the studio’s most commercially successful films and film franchises: The Hunger Games follows hunter Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and her heroic adventures in a post-apocalyptic world; John Wick tells the story of the titular character (Keanu Reeves) forced to return to his life as a hitman to avenge the death of his beloved puppy; the Twilight Saga follows the epic love story of teenager Bella Swan (Kirsten Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson); SAW trails the sadistic machinations of John Kramer or Jigsaw; Knives Out follows a detective (Daniel Craig) in his investigation on the mysterious death of a wealthy novelist (Christopher Plummer); and many more.

The streaming service also carries some of Lionsgate’s most iconic and groundbreaking series such as Mad Men, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning period drama starring Jon Hamm that’s widely considered to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time; and The Royals, a drama chronicling the tradition, opulence, and scandal that surround a fictional modern-day royal family. Lionsgate Play also gives PLDT Home subscribers first dibs on the hottest new shows including Becoming Elizabeth, which chronicles Elizabeth I’s rise to power and all the intrigue and betrayal that came with becoming the Virgin Queen. Catch these shows and more very soon on Lionsgate Play!

In time for the Philippine launch of the streaming service, both existing and new subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber Plans 1699 and up will be given exclusive access to Lionsgate Play without the additional charges until June 1, 2023.

Enjoy a bigger, bolder, faster, and more powerful entertainment home viewing experience at home with Lionsgate Play, exclusive in the Philippines through PLDT Home. 

To learn more about Lionsgate Play, visit https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay.