Patay Na Si Hesus: 3 Reasons Why A Film About Death Is “So Alive”

Patay Na Si Hesus, a satirical comedy about a death in a family and the mayhem that ensues after, was considered a sleeper hit at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. While the usual action and romantic movies did well, this movie surprised everyone and was in fact number 2 in box office sales on opening day.

According to one of the movie’s producers, Moira Lang, the film was originally assigned to a fewer cinemas compared to other PPP films. By the third day of the festival, however, more cinemas were added. Because of the film’s positive reception, it was one of the few films whose screenings continued even after the end of the festival on Aug. 22.

Here are 3 reasons why the film is a rare gem of Philippine cinema and a must-watch.

1. The Cast of Patay Na Si Hesus, Jaclyn Jose Shines

Jaclyn Jose can finally be called a box office queen in her performance as the matriarch, Iyay. Although she is known for her heavy dramatic roles, the film showcases how “effortless” it is for her to do comedy. According

No one gets crucified in the new satirical comedy “Patay na si Hesus.” Well, no one or nothing except Pinoy cinema’s tired cliches, our outdated biases, predictable expectations and actors’ over-the-top performances. The film’s director, Victor Villanueva called her a “master of deadpan acting” and that she is an “underrated comedian.”

The rest of the cast bring life to the rest of quirky characters: Vincent Viado as Hubert, the eldest child with Down Syndrome, Chai Fonacier as Jude, a trans man and Melde Montanez as Jay, a bum. According to the film’s writer, Fatrick Tabada, he intended to depict characters that are “underrepresented” or “portrayed negatively” in mainstream media. He also made sure that these characters were very real, with “real attributes that everyone can relate to.”

2. The Film Is Mostly In Cebuano, But It Did Not Matter

Aside from the strange, weird but overly hilarious circumstances that the family encounters during their road trip, the other eccentric thing about the movie is that most of the lines are in Cebuano. While the dialogue was heard in Cebuano, subtitles in Filipino were simultaneously shown.

According to some reviews, it brings hope to the future of regional cinema or films in local dialects. It also proves that it is more than just the language being used, but also how the lines are delivered and the craziness of the story line.

3. Strangely Enough, A Film About Death Shows Us How To “Live”

The story revolves around a death in the family, of the estranged husband of Iyay and estranged father to the brood of three. More so, it is the road trip that the family attempts and hilariously succeeds to take from Cebu to Dumaguete.

More than the destination which carries with it the hurt of confronting the truth, the family learn more about each other as they deal with each and every detour. If one asks the director and the producers why people should watch the film, they simply say, “Because they will laugh all the way.”

Patay Na Si Hesus is produced by T-Rex Productions and distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures. The film is still showing in theaters all over the country. To check theater listings, go to the movie’s Facebook page.