Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings 2013

Young Remington, portrayed by Andre Salazar, grew up with a habit of hurling the derogatory term “Bakla!” at gay men, a behavior that would come back to haunt him. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Pops, a grieving drag queen played by Roderick Paulate, at a cemetery. This encounter brings forth a chilling prophecy from Pops: on his 21st birthday, Remington will transform into the very thing he once mocked.

Fast forward to years later, the small town of Lucban is shaken by a string of brutal murders targeting gay men, leaving its residents bewildered. As authorities, including Remington’s mother Fe (Janice de Belen) and her associate Mimi (Angelica Kanapi), strive to uncover the truth, 20-year-old Remington, now played by Martin Escudero, finds himself entangled in a sinister web of events.

During a visit to a crime scene with onlookers, Remington encounters Hannah Montano, portrayed by Lauren Young, who has just returned to her hometown. Though he tries to make a connection, Hannah is repulsed when she learns of his past through his best friend Jigs (Kerbie Zamora).

As time progresses, bizarre events start to unfold around Remington. In the midst of an energetic basketball game with friends, he becomes transfixed by a mysterious, pink scarf-shaped aura that appears momentarily before vanishing. Later, in an attempt to impress Hannah by helping her paint her home, he faces rejection again after disclosing his earlier mockery of her late father. This revelation incites the wrath of Hannah’s mother, Mrs. Montano (Eugene Domingo).

That night, a haunting dream plagues Remington—a vision where he and Jigs are chased by a menacing figure while bathing outdoors. Waking up, he finds strange cuts on his legs, and his body hair has vanished, replaced with smooth skin. During a drinking session, his father Ed (John Regala) acknowledges the transformation, proudly stating that his son has become a “real man.”

As the chilling murders continue, Remington confides in his mother about his recurring unsettling dream, seeking her support to unravel the mystery. The conversation takes a serious turn when she voices her concerns over his hesitation to pursue higher education in Manila, compelling Remington to confront his true aspirations.

As night falls, another murder disrupts the beauty parlor scene, transporting Remington to a surreal experience where he mistakenly boards a tricycle, only to find an unsettling driver resembling the figure from his early dream. This leads him to a forest clearing, where he suffers a cruel paddling and a traumatic loss of his tongue.

After waking from such a disconcerting episode, Remington realizes he’s going through a bizarre change. His behavior shifts, and he finds himself suddenly fluent in the language of the gay community. This transformation creates tension in his relationship with Hannah and her mother, who struggle to grasp this new version of Remington.

As the curse takes hold, Remington’s mannerisms shift to become more effeminate, and his fashion choices become decidedly different. He begins to harbor feelings for Jigs, who, while trying to seduce him, is aware of the tragic fates of their gay friends.

To navigate this upheaval, Remington seeks assistance from Georgia (Nar Cabico), an experienced figure in the gay community. This journey of self-discovery throws light on the sinister forces at play, compelling Remington to reconcile his evolving identity with his desire to remain true to who he is.

Embarking on a quest that involves Hannah and Jigs to confront Pops, the enigmatic drag queen responsible for his curse, they uncover deeper layers of emotion and memory. Arriving at Pops’ lavish home, they compel him to recognize his part in Remington’s plight. When an affectionate yet jarring memory surfaces, Pops reveals he understands the gravity of his actions yet lacks the knowledge to lift the curse. He proposes a séance as a means to connect with spiritual entities haunting Remington’s dreams, leading to a startling revelation: Remington must find a heterosexual man willing to give up his masculinity to break the curse.

As their search in town ensues, they encounter Suarez, Remington’s godfather, whose “gaydar” gun threatens their plans. The ensuing chaos results in Pops’ untimely demise, igniting a spirit of vengeance among the undead drag queens.

On the night of Remington’s impending birthday, they desperately implore friends to consider taking the curse as their own. However, sensing their unwillingness, Remington is left to confront his fate until Hannah’s words inspire him to embrace his identity against oppression.

As chaos unfurls in Lucban, a dramatic confrontation between Remington and his estranged father occurs. In a heroic moment, Ed deflects gunfire aimed at Remington, inadvertently leading to a series of deadly reactions that claim the lives of Serge and Suarez.

In a dramatic twist, Ed comes to understand the dilemma and agrees to exchange his heterosexuality for his son’s freedom. As the clock strikes twelve, the town regains its usual rhythm. Remington is set to pursue his education in Manila while Hannah embarks on her vision of a thriving dormitory business. Meanwhile, the memories of Serge and Suarez linger, reminding all of the dire consequences of prejudice.

The “zombadings” find new purpose in an unexpected venture, transforming their previous afflictions into a quirky hat shop, symbolizing hope and acceptance.

In an uplifting conclusion, Remington’s father embraces his new identity, finding joy with his wife. The film culminates with a vibrant Bollywood-style dance number, showcasing the resilience and joy of those who refuse to be defined by societal norms.