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'Patay na si Hesus' lives up to the hype
On the second day of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, it’s Cebuano comedy “Patay Na Si Hesus” that’s creating so much buzz. It stars Jaclyn Jose as Iyay, a mother who drags her family from Cebu to Dumaguete to attend the wake of her ex-husband.
Iyay’s decision is an unlikely one since she’s been estranged from her husband who dumped her for another woman. Considering that pain her husband brought when he was alive, Iyay could simply have sent flowers, or a mass, or her financial contribution for the funeral expenses.
Instead, Iyay opted to do what she felt was right: close her food stall momentarily, round up her kids (an unemployed son, another son with disability and a lesbian daughter) and take the long drive to pay their respects.
Jaclyn’s comic timing is spot-on. “Patay Na Si Hesus” showcases the range and exceptional gift of 2016’s Cannes Best Actress. Iyay’s unforgettable turn the first time she sees her ex in the coffin is among Jaclyn’s career best; it ranks high up there together with the finale of “Ma Rosa” where the actress goes to great lengths before she munches fish balls on a stick.
As Iyay, Jaclyn is very credible as a Tagalog who migrated to Cebu. Viewers will admire her commitment to the role especially when they find out that Jaclyn took Visayan language lessons for more than a month, and drove that cramped multi-cab herself. Yup, no stunt double!
Her family composed of Vincent Viado, Melde Montañez and Chai Fonacier are a delight to watch, especially in those hilarious car scenes.
Vincent, who plays the son with a physical disability, is charming; he holds his own against his more experienced co-stars.
Melde fits his role of the smart-alecky son with no trace of awkwardness; one wouldn’t know that he used to work behind the scenes and “Patay Na Si Hesus” is actually his acting gig.
Chai Fonacier is the newest indie sensation that everyone should keep an eye on. She’s also in the award-winning Cinemalaya film “Respeto.”
Talented and beautiful, Chai inhabits any role she takes. One can only imagine that her characterization of Jude is just a “walk in the park” for her.
While “Patay Na Si Hesus” is admittedly a road movie, the viewer will not feel that he or she is merely watching a travelogue because of the effortless chemistry of the cast, which is the main attraction.
Another plus: the soundtrack of upbeat Visayan songs that add flavor and make this film quite unique.
But the best thing about “Patay Na Si Hesus”? It’s the way writer Fatrick Tabada, producers Moira Lang and Bianca Balbuena and director Victor Villanueva have created a heartwarming family story, one that underscores the truth that in life, things are not what they seem to be.
The movie and its makers were recently blasted on social media for having a blasphemous title. Those who dismiss “Patay Na Si Hesus” for that shallow reason will miss out on the joy of meeting a crazy but loving family you’d wish to call your own. — LA, GMA News
