I was shocked to see not even a single review for this film and after revisiting so many films during quarantine, this felt like the one of the best. Road trip films are only as good as the characters you get to go with. Patay Na si Hesus takes the familiar road trip film and changes things up if only slightly. A story of a "dysfunctional" family led by a single mother Iyay (played by Jaclyn Jose), following the death of her estranged husband decides to attend the funeral. She is accompanied by her children; Hubert her eldest (played by Vincent Viado) has Down Syndrome, Jude (played by Chai Fonacier) is a lovesick transman; Jay (played by Melde Montanez) is a failure in life.
The plot is basic enough, except that this is a rare road trip movie where the characters are interesting, the cast is amazing - so dynamic in their roles and as a dysfunctional whole. It's hard to single out individual performances, as they all mesh so well. Each character is disillusioned or caught up in their own ways, the family dynamic is actually believable (and therefore not always pretty), and the road trip itself actually serves a purpose and helps the characters evolve, both individually and as a family unit packed with so much wit and free from slapstick, this movie proves that humor and intelligence can go hand in hand. Each of the characters are hilarious, but also well fleshed out, and amazingly acted, basically, if Little Miss Sunshine happens in Philippines with even more awkwardly funny scene that doesn't end up being a very sappy and cheesy film.
A psycho romp of a road movie that is a must see (for varying reasons) which is hilariously weird, also one of those "wtf did I just watch?" movies, but it was still enjoyable though. To say anything more would give away many of the wonderful surprises the film has to offer, as each quirky little vignette along the way is as unexpected and delightful as the last. Also, the best part of the film was Judas and the Nun. Go see it to believe it!
