A new Filipino thriller about a hidden island debuts on Netflix with a 4-year mystery

A new Filipino thriller titled Balaraw: Blood Island is now streaming on Netflix. The series follows Sabina Tejeros, played by Janine Gutierrez, as she searches for her missing mother, Rebecca. Rebecca, played by Agot Isidro, vanished four years ago after boarding a bus bound for an isolated island. The show is a mystery that combines elements of folklore with a modern investigation. It is the first installment of a new Netflix original series.

The plot centers on the island of Balaraw. According to the story, the island is not visible on standard maps. It only appears under specific conditions. Sabina discovers through a private investigator that her mother went there shortly after disappearing. Sabina's uncle, Arturo Syquija, a local police officer played by Ronnie Lazaro, knew about Rebecca's destination. He hid this information from Sabina because Rebecca did not want to be found. Sabina's girlfriend, Bulak Bernabe, played by Charlie Dizon, joins her in the search.

The narrative begins with Sabina working at a local hospital. On her first day, her mother asks if she still has dreams about the island. Rebecca holds a picture of a man who appears in Sabina's dreams. While Sabina takes a phone call, her mother disappears. The story jumps forward four years. Sabina, who lost her job after punching a doctor, remains determined to find her mother. She and her companions travel to a port town to find a boat captain willing to take them to Balaraw. They board the vessel, but the island remains invisible until a massive wave washes them onto the shore.

The show is created by Jericho Aguado, Dodo Dayao, and Rae Red. It draws on Filipino folklore. The first episode establishes the central mystery and the characters' motivations. It also introduces the setting, which includes a rainforest and ritualistic violence. The creators aim to answer some questions while raising new ones in each episode. The tone is described as creepy and suspenseful.

Janine Gutierrez portrays Sabina as a determined character. The review notes her performance shows resolve, particularly when Sabina considers swimming to the island after failing to find a boat. The first episode focuses heavily on the journey to the island. It provides backstory about Sabina's past visits to Balaraw. Sabina has nightmares involving the island and a man running. It is unclear how much she remembers from her previous time there, including how she arrived and how she escaped.

The review from the New York Post recommends the series. The writer, Joel Keller, describes the show as having the makings of a thriller. He notes that the first episode does a good job setting up the scenario where the trio finds Rebecca. The review acknowledges that the details of the journey to Balaraw are not the main focus. The main focus is what happens once they arrive. The writer states that the series asks questions in every episode while answering some.

The series is available for streaming on Netflix. It is part of the platform's slate of international content. The show targets viewers who enjoy mystery and horror genres. It features a cast including Janine Gutierrez, Agot Isidro, Charlie Dizon, and Ronnie Lazaro. The production combines elements of family drama and supernatural mystery.

The first episode ends with Sabina waking up on the island after the wave. The show is set in a specific cultural context. It uses the concept of a hidden island as a central plot device. The characters' relationships drive the initial investigation. The show is currently available on the streaming service.