Critics rally behind ‘Multwoh’ as film to die for

Rodina Singh’s “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” has not only dominated the box office, but it has also received critical acclaim for its playful yet hauntingly beautiful story of queer love, life, and death.

The festival’s official awards committee has matched rave reviews of one of the most talked-about films from the most recent Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. At the Puregold CinePanalo annual awards, “Multwoh” won four awards: Always Panalo, Panalo sa Manonood, Panalo sa Production Design, and Panalo sa Brand Intrusion.

Philbert Dy, a member of the festival’s awards jury and a noted film critic, wrote fondly about “Multwoh”: “It’s pretty funny, but what I think it does best is show a variety of people being warm and accepting of the main character and of queerness in general,” wrote Dy on his Letterboxd. “There’s something beautiful in how the movie depicts different kinds of acceptance, each drawn from different kinds of experience. But whether it comes from a father, an older lady, or a best friend — it’s lovely all the same.”

In a five-star review on his website, Saul de Jesus praised the film’s depiction of the complexities of queer existence.

“Its queer perspective remains specific without becoming inaccessible, while the craft gives all those ideas enough room to breathe,” wrote de Jesus. “The film has depth without needing to perform depth. It is funny, affectionate, visually thoughtful, proudly queer, and considerably more intricate than it initially appears.”

The cast received recognition as well. Leading actors Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia received acting nominations for their roles in the film. Rod Magaru wrote a glowing review of both.

“[Sassa Gurl] brings the kind of energy and comedic timing that works particularly well with the material,” wrote Magaru. “And then there’s Joao. His performance becomes particularly important as the story progresses and, well, Joao is probably one of the reasons I stayed invested in the film.”

In an article for Explained PH, Princess Angel Gatchalian wrote that “Multwoh” bodes well for Sassa Gurl’s future as an actress. “From social media satire to impactful film appearances, she’s in a position to choose projects that suit her comedic instincts and her goal of enhancing representation,” said Gatchalian.

From direction to performances, cinematography to writing, “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” stands out as one of the year’s must-see films. And due to popular demand, audiences will get even more opportunities to see it on the big screen.

“Multwoh” has signed a nationwide distribution agreement with 13 Ayala Cinemas, showing at Glorietta, Trinoma, Market! Market!, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Malls Marquee, Ayala Malls Harbor Point, Ayala Malls Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Centrio, and Ayala Malls Central Bloc on October 21.