What would you do if your wife and child became ghosts? Would you leave them?
That is the question at the heart of Pee Mak PH, the story of Pee Nang and Mak. Let’s talk about it.
I finally watched the Philippine adaptation of Pee Mak, and the big question is: Is it good?
Yes, it is!
As I mentioned in my initial reaction, the Philippines did not disappoint with this adaptation of the beloved Thai film Pee Mak.
I’m very impressed with the results, especially considering the limited preparation time. The movie looks expensive. The colors are beautiful, and the production never feels short on budget or time.
The team clearly thought through the execution and made the most of their available resources. Hats off to the production and creative teams behind Pee Mak PH, led by director Victor Villanueva.
CGI and Visual Effects
Let’s talk about the CGI, which was one of my biggest concerns before watching the film.
We all know that visual effects take time to produce. However, the team did a good job overall. The CGI was decent, and I particularly liked the scene where Bea Binene’s arm stretches. It looked convincing on screen, and I was impressed!
Bea Binene as Pee Nang
Speaking of Bea, she is perfectly suited to play a ghost!
She was believable in the role. Her acting in an upside-down position was particularly impressive. She made it look effortless. You couldn’t tell that she might have struggled with the physical demands of the scene. She also delivered her lines naturally, without showing any obvious strain.
And what about her full ghost form?
She reminded me of The Exorcist, but with a more beautiful appearance! She looked frightening yet attractive at the same time. The team did a great job creating her character, and Bea delivered an equally impressive performance.
That scene was so good!
Impressive Makeup and Prosthetics
Gian Bernardino’s appearance after a wasp sting also impressed me. Even in the teaser, the makeup effects already looked great.
Congratulations to the makeup and prosthetics team for their work!
Speaking of Gian, you wouldn’t think this was his first time in a movie like this. He delivered a very impressive performance. He went all out with his acting, and he was genuinely funny.
The Cast’s Comedy and Chemistry
The chemistry among the four comedians was excellent. Vandolph, TJ Valderrama, Jairus Aquino, and Gian Bernardino each brought something special to the film. Wilbert Ross also added to the comedy with his own delivery.
Much of the film’s humor relies on these four supporting actors, and each one made a valuable contribution.
This was my first time watching TJ Valderrama in a role like this, and he impressed me. He was hilarious!
Vandolph also stood out. His comedic timing and delivery were excellent. Jairus was equally entertaining.
Congratulations to all four of you! Whenever you appear on screen, you can expect the audience to laugh.
I also noticed how talented the actors were, even in smaller roles. The vendors, for example, did a great job. They weren’t simply background characters. Their performances helped bring the film’s world to life and made the story more believable.
How Does the Story Compare to the Original?
Pee Mak PH stays faithful to the main storyline of the original Thai film while adding a Filipino touch. The adaptation follows the original’s storytelling structure, so the story remains familiar to those who have seen the Thai version.
However, I think the Filipino version is funnier.
Perhaps our sense of humor makes the jokes more relatable. We understand the timing, delivery, and situations that make the characters funny.
But there is another aspect of the adaptation that I particularly liked.
I felt that Pee Nang and Mak were truly at the center of the story.
Despite all the comedy, the emotional connection between them remained strong. The humor developed around their relationship rather than making them feel like secondary characters in their own story.
In the original film, I felt a slight disconnect between Mak and Nak’s story and the comedy involving Mak’s friends. At times, their story seemed to serve as an additional element before returning to the spotlight toward the end.
In Pee Mak PH, however, I felt a stronger connection among all the characters. Each one had a more noticeable place in the overall story.
One Scene I Wish They Had Improved
Of course, there is one thing I would have liked the filmmakers to improve.
I’m referring to the scene at the fair, when Pee Nang removes her mask.
Bea already had the right expression. However, I wish the filmmakers had enhanced the moment with more visual effects.
They could have used strategic zoom-ins on Bea’s face and the people’s reactions. Other cinematic techniques could also have emphasized just how terrified the people were of her.
Final Verdict: Is Pee Mak PH Worth Watching?
Aside from that one scene, I think Pee Mak PH is a solid film.
You’ll definitely laugh, but some scenes might also bring you to tears. Personally, I cried during the movie, and a few moments even scared me a little.
Most importantly, you’ll feel just how much Mak and Pee Nang love each other.
For me, Pee Mak PH successfully gives a beloved story a Filipino identity without losing its heart.
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew!
Want to know more about Pee Mak PH? Read about the film’s mediacon here.
Want to hear more of my thoughts on Pee Mak PH? Watch my full review below.