Pa-Siyam (2004) Movie Review
Written By: FR
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: Erik Matti
Writers: Dwight Gaston, Erik Matti
Producers: Erik Matti, Lily Y. Monteverde, Ronald Stephen Monteverde
Date Released: Month Day, Year
Cast:
Roderick Paulate as Nilo
Cherry Pie Picache as Denise
Aubrey Miles as Ruth
Maricar De Mesa as Sylvia
Yul Servo as Angel
Ana Capri as Ester
Jaime Fabregas as Father Garcia
Cristine Reyes as Janelle
Ermie Concepcion as Nerissa Zayco
Dexter Doria as Mila
Crispin Pineda as Armando
Lui Manansala as Inang Albina
Rating = 2/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
The film is based on the Filipino tradition of pa-siyam, a Catholic ritual wherein the loved ones of the deceased would pray daily novenas for the deceased’s soul for nine days. Roderick Paulate, plays the eldest of five siblings who reunite in their parents’ mansion for their mother’s pa-siyam.
Gore Factor
There is not a lot of gore in the film. What is nice about the film is that the scenes incorporate dark and misty atmospheres. There are a few notable scenes in which members of the household wake up with filth, feces, piss all over the house every morning. The paranormal presence of what is supposed to be the family member’s mother also adds an eerie delight. .
The Grave Review
Pa-Siyam (2004) incorporates multiple scenes that are both visually dark and eerie that adds to the discomfort of the paranormal events that are ongoing. The film’s plot leaves a mystery to the audience as the family members are exploring the house. As a person born in the Phillipine, it is not uncommon for family members to leave their mother or grandmother alone with caretakers. In this way, the film had a realism element which would resonate with some who are familiar with this mentality.
Cherry Pie Picache, who played the eldest sister, as well as the other actors and actresses were respectful in their roles. However, the pace of the film felt drawn out and slow leading up to the climactic and underwhelming ending. There is a strong undertone to always try to be supportive of the family even if your own life seems to get in the way. However, towards the end of the film, you may not feel that the family members learned from their mistake.
There were also some loopholes that were not explained very well. For example, the relationship with the secret love interest as well as the girl who was mentally handicapped could have played a stronger role in the film but fell short in respect their backstory and overall relevance.
Overall, the film is well-done, but the buildup of the story was painfully slow. Nevertheless, Pa-Siyam is worth a watch despite the lacking elements.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives Pa-Siyam (2004) two graves out of five graves.
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