Deleter
Deleter is a 2022 Philippine screenlife psychological horror thriller film directed by Mikhail Red, starring Nadine Lustre, Louise delos Reyes, McCoy de Leon, and Jeffrey Hidalgo. It was released theatrically on December 25, 2022 as an entry to the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Plot summary
The film follows Lyra, who works shifts at a shadowy online content moderation office where employees, known as deleters, are tasked with the process of filtering graphic uploads from reaching social media platforms. The responsibility of censorship proves bearable for Lyra, whom her co-workers, as well as her boss Simon, observe as a cold person unfazed by the disturbing imagery she sees on a daily basis. What they do not know is that Lyra hides a deep trauma. Lyra’s attempt to erase and forget her past has forced her to maintain an apathetic face to the horrors of the world.Cast
Main
- Nadine Lustre as Lyra
- Louise delos Reyes as Aileen
- McCoy de Leon as Jace
- Jeffrey Hidalgo as Simon
Supporting
- Sarah Jane Abad as The Grey Woman
- Billy Villeta as Axel
- Madelaine Red as Gossiping Co-worker
- Elia Ilano as young Lyra
- Kedebon Colim as Store Attendant
- Keiko Fox as Sheka
- Charo Laude as Armi
- Matthew Francisco as Benru
- Nic Galvez as Gossiping Co-worker
- Bombi Plata as Lyra's father
- Erica Zerna as Lyra's mother / Crowd
- JC Martin as Jace's Co-worker
Production
Development
Deleter was reported to be the first collaboration between Mikhail Red and Viva Films. Red worked on the Philippines' reputation being the "content moderation capital of the world" as well as the mental health and working conditions of content moderators for the story of Deleter.Filming
Filming began in July 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and hence the usual COVID-19 protocols was observed. Only a few filming locations was utilized to simulate a "claustrophobic environment".Release
Deleter premiered in cinemas in the Philippines on December 25, 2022 as one of the eight entries of the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival. However the film was not originally intended made specifically for the film festival.The film was also released internationally. It premiered in the United States on January 6, 2023 and is set to be released in the United Arab Emirates on January 12, 2023.