The Historical Backdrop: Padre Mallari's Chilling Story
Padre Mallari, a parish priest from the 1800s, stands out in Philippine history for his horrific crimes. He killed 57 people, making him the country’s first-documented serial killer. The real-life story of Father Mallari is filled with the kind of dark twists that could have been the foundation for a gripping, thrilling narrative.
Missed Potential and Poor Execution
One of the major issues with Mallari is not the acting—Piolo Pascual and JC De Vera both delivered strong performances. But the story itself? It was overwhelming. The plot was burdened with too many elements—faith healing, Filipino folklore, ghosts, witchcraft, voodoo, and, to top it all off, time travel. The film strayed too far from Padre Mallari’s true story, which would have been compelling enough on its own.
Awkward and Out-of-Place Scenes
There were several moments in the movie that just felt awkward. One scene, in particular, featuring Gloria Diaz asking for oil, was weird and confusing. It didn’t add to the horror or suspense and just felt out of place. Even worse were the horror effects—specifically the ones involving Gloria Diaz’s face—which came across as low-budget and laughable rather than scary.
A Missed Opportunity for True Horror
Despite its eerie subject matter, Mallari isn’t scary. In fact, it’s more comedic in parts (sorry!). The horror effects fell short, making some scenes more amusing than terrifying. The movie's attempt to mix so many different supernatural elements watered down the chilling nature of Padre Mallari’s true story.
Final Thoughts: Stick to the True Story
It’s frustrating that the filmmakers didn’t focus on Father Mallari’s real history. The story had so much potential! Instead, they created a confusing mix of folklore, magic, and horror that never quite came together. Had they stuck to the facts and built a more grounded narrative, Mallari could have been a standout film. Unfortunately, it became a missed opportunity.
Despite the movie's shortcomings, Mallari is now available to stream on Netflix if you're curious. Just manage your expectations—it might not be the terrifying historical thriller you were hoping for.
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