Not so eXcellent

Not so eXcellent.

Yam Laranas’ latest directing effort has been only slightly impressive. “Patient X” is such a great movie in a purely technical level although I must say the lead actress Cristine Reyes did a better job than the others. The camera shots, color scheme and design of the film were so remarkable but it ultimately failed to deliver a good story—a story worth investing our time in. It is similar with Topel Lee’s “Sundo”—a great technical movie that falls behind on the story.

“Patient X” is a fast-paced film. The premise was even very good: an imprisoned ‘aswang’ or ‘monster’ but really has a greater significance than the English translation in Filipino mythology. The story could have been so much better but instead it was a paper-thin plot ninety-minute feature. It began well but sagged in the ending. Like “Sigaw,” parts of “Patient X” were predictable. The filmmakers could have added more layers to the film just like modern Pinoy horror films like “Malikmata” and “Tenement 2.”

Laranas, known most for his “Sigaw” film and the more astounding re-make “Echo,” has always been an excellent technical director. But as they always say technicalities should just enhance the story and not the other way around. Perhaps this is why this film failed in the box office. Or it could be just the lack of massive and effective advertising. It’s just too bad because I really had high hopes for the film. Nevertheless, I still hope Filipinos will support passion-driven films like “Patient X.” It is only in this way that Pinoys can actually discuss film art and find ways to improve Filipino cinema.