

It’s Gotham infused with fantasy and extra violence. They live among the people as villains or allies, run kidnapping rings and sit as kingpins of crime. However, these creatures do not simply hide in the shadows and prey on the citizens. They are introduced throughout the cases: the dwarf-like Duwendes who inhabit dirt mounds, the mischievous half-men and half-horse Tikbalangs, evil aborted fetuses known as Tiyanaks and more. They’re iconic, many of which have been kept alive through the generations by word of mouth. One of the most appealing aspects of Trese are the monsters. Additionally, her cosplay-friendly look was inspired by Jose Rizal, a nice nod to the national hero of the Philippines. With a fearless attitude and a stylish flair in bagging the baddies, she carries the right dose of vulnerability that unfolds towards the finale. As a vigilante heroine, she is easy to root for. Alexandra solves cases alongside her two half-deity brothers, known as The Kambal, who protect her with their mystical abilities. The series follows Detective Alexandra Trese, an investigator of supernatural crimes and corruption in Metro Manila. In the past, their creatures have only made minor appearances, such as the winged Manananggal in Marvel’s Blade and the vampiric Aswang in the “Mommy Dearest” episode of NBC’s Grimm. The release is a milestone, marking the first time Filipino folklore has moved to the forefront of Western media. It launched internationally on June 11 and is based on the Neil Gaiman-endorsed graphic novel. “There are monsters among us, and some of them are human,” speaks the titular character of Trese, Netflix’s new anime horror-crime series.
