GROOVE Horror like no other

With a strong cast including veteran actor Rosyam Nor, the movie Misteri Dilaila under Syafiq Yusof ’s direction also promises a shocking twist, writes Tahir Alhamzah

AFTER the success of his movies such as Abang Long Fadil franchise and KL Special Force, young director and screenwriter Syafiq Yusof has proven his mettle. His latest offering, Misteri Dilaila, a horror movie which opened in cinemas yesterday, is expected to raise the bar yet again with a few surprises for moviegoers.

When the official trailer was released last month, many viewers admitted that it had teased them enough to wait impatiently for it to hit the cinemas.

Misteri Dilaila tells the story of a couple, Jefri (Zul Ariffin) and Dilaila (Elizabeth Tan) who return to Dilaila’s family home in Fraser’s Hill.

On the first night there, Jefri has strange encounters. The following morning, he discovers that his wife has gone missing.

After lodging a police report, he is visited by Imam Aziz (Namron) who brings along with him Dilaila (Sasqia Dahuri).

Jefri, however, does not think that the woman is his wife, although she insists that she is and can prove to him that she is indeed his wife.

So where or what has happened to Jefri’s Dilaila? Who is the real Dilaila? Will Jefri be able to unravel this mystery?

Industry sources say that this movie has the mother of all plot twists.

It has also been said that Syafiq has also cleverly ensured moviegoers watch Misteri

Dilaila more than once.

A joint venture between Skop Productions and Astro Shaw, Misteri Dilaila marks the 26-year-old filmmaker’s eighth film, his second horror movie after Villa Nabila.

36 DAYS OF FILMING

“I took quite a long time to write the script. Even developing the idea took two months. It had been a headache,” says Syafiq of the movie which costs RM2.2 million.

Syafiq had thought of the cast line-up before the script was ready.

Hunky actor Zul is his first choice to play the lead role of Jefri.

“I’m not the bravest person to act in a horror movie, having to film many scenes from night to dawn. But who in the right mind would give up an opportunity such as this?” asks Zul, 32.

He adds that working with a perfectionist such as Syafiq, he had to be ready for any changes during the 36 days of filming.

“I didn’t need to look for any reference to play Jefri. The script is good enough as a guide. I trust Syafiq’s good acumen,” adds Zul.

On whether Syafiq chose both Sasqia and Tan for their uncanny resemblance to each other, he says it is mere coincidence.

This mere coincidence works well for him and the movie.

“I chose Sasqia for her height as there are scenes of her struggling with Zul. If I chose someone whom Zul easily towers over, the scenes would look a little awkward.

“Tan is the perfect candidate as she is of Sasqia’s height and stature. A spitting image of each other is indeed a bonus,” says Syafiq.

Tan, 25, also sang the original soundtrack for the movie, Kalaulah Hidup Semula.

Sasqia, 33, is indeed excited to see moviegoers’ response to the movie and her acting.

“Of course, I’m grateful for this chance to play this character. While I usually play the antagonist in both films and drama series, in this movie, I play all — from being the victim to the aggressor.

“This is the best opportunity I’ve had in my eight years as an actress. It has been a satisfying project for me.

“If this turns out to be my breakthrough role, it’s a bonus.”

Although she may have stepped into the local entertainment scene as a singer, it is no longer a secret that Tan prefers acting.

“I’m more comfortable in front of a camera rather than onstage. But being a greenhorn, I’m nervous at the response from moviegoers,” says the artiste whose video of Joe Flizzow’s Havoc went viral in 2014.

Misteri Dilaila is Tan’s second outing on the big screen, after appearing in Mamat Khalid’s Usop Wilcha Meghonjang

Makhluk Muzium in 2015.

Tan considers herself fortunate to be given a chance to play a lead role despite her lack of experience.

“When you’re relatively new in the industry, you can’t be picky. Besides,