Patay na si Hesus (Jesus is Dead): Movie Review

Quirky, offensive and hilarious are words that easily describe "Patay na si Hesus". The film mixes comedy and drama perfectly into a volatile, unique and in-your-face experience. This is one road movie you wouldn't want to pass up.

A single mother (Jaclyn Jose) has found out that her estranged husband and father to her three children, Hesus, has died. She decides that all of them must pay their final respects before he is finally laid to rest. As she drives her children from Cebu to Dumaguete, truths and issues are revealed that may bring their family closer together than ever before.

At times, "Patay na si Hesus" will definitely shock you. The film's irreverent and no-holds-barred approach may seem off putting but these silly things are also the ones that make the whole experience pop. Taken not too seriously, the film is certainly brilliant. Now, this doesn't mean that "Patay na si Hesus" lacks depth. In fact, it's the complete opposite. Each character in the family brings in their own quirks and issues that make the film certainly interesting, to say the least. How each one tackles and conquers these is the real adventure and the real meat of the film. Not surprisingly, the film features superb acting. Jaclyn Jose, in particular, has a noteworthy performance but Chai Fonacier, as a lesbian struggling with a relationship bombshell, is not far off taking the helm. "Patay na si Hesus" is definitely an unusual film but in a good way. It is quirky but potent. It is funny but hits the right dramatic buttons when it needs to.   

Rating: 3 and a half reels




Why you should watch it:
- superb acting from the whole lead cast
- a hilarious film with a lot of depth

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- some characters seem filler material
- quirkiness can be off putting