‘A Werewolf Boy’ arrives in Philippine cinemas as the launching big-screen project of the RabGel loveteam—Rabin Angeles and Angela Muji—and it largely succeeds in what it sets out to do: deliver a tender, feel-good romance that stays true to the heart of the beloved 2012 Korean original while embracing Filipino sensibilities.
I revisited the original film specifically to draw comparisons, given that this Philippine version is positioned as a faithful adaptation. Story-wise, ‘A Werewolf Boy’ knows its audience. It is cute, funny, and quietly captivating. There are a few loose threads—most notably the motivation of Juancho (played here by Albie Casiño), whose obsession with marrying Sara (Angela Muji) sometimes feels underdeveloped. His jealousy toward Boy (Rabin Angeles) escalates quickly, and while some beats come off a bit silly, these issues are secondary to the emotional core of the film: Sara and Boy.
Rabin and Angela have proven their chemistry before in the digital series ‘Seducing Drake Palma’, but their dynamic here feels different—and stronger. Rabin takes on a particularly challenging role, portraying Boy without spoken lines. Despite this limitation, his physicality and emotional expression are more than enough to pull viewers in. His charm remains intact, but it is his restraint and vulnerability that truly sell the character.
Angela Muji, meanwhile, brings warmth and sincerity to Sara. You can feel how deeply she inhabits the role, grounding the film’s emotional beats. Together, Rabin and Angela share a chemistry that translates well to the big screen. This may be their first movie together, and while there is still room for growth individually, their performances are solid and promising. Nothing feels harsh or distracting—if anything, it leaves you wanting to see them paired again in future projects.
The film does stumble slightly in period consistency. While the story suggests a 1960s-1970s setting, the language and available technology don’t always align. These inconsistencies are noticeable but ultimately forgivable, functioning more as side issues than dealbreakers.
At its core, ‘A Werewolf Boy’ explores a kind of love that exists in the space between romantic and platonic. Sara and Boy’s relationship is intimate and deeply affectionate, yet marked by a purity that goes beyond conventional romance.
Boy’s dog-like devotion could easily feel uncomfortable, but the film frames it as emotional intimacy rather than possession. Their shared quiet moments—mundane, gentle, and unassuming—become the story’s strongest asset.
This approach makes the film a refreshing entry in the werewolf genre, which is typically dominated by horror tropes. Instead of mystery deaths and fear-driven narratives, ‘A Werewolf Boy’ focuses on connection and tenderness. It is emotionally rich without being heavy-handed. Yes, it can make you cry, but it remains a comforting, feel-good experience.
The supporting cast significantly elevates the film. Lorna Tolentino, despite limited screen time, leaves a powerful impression. Albie Casiño once again proves how effective he is at playing an irritating antagonist—you really will feel annoyed by him, which means he did his job well.
A standout, however, is Candy Pangilinan. She delivers moments that are genuinely surprising, including a comedic scene with Rabin that does not exist in the original version and earns real laughter. Candy balances comedy with heartfelt emotion effortlessly, offering a fresh take on her character that differs from the Korean original but works beautifully in this context.
Director Crisanto Aquino deserves credit for successfully infusing the film with a distinctly Filipino touch while respecting the source material. His experience handling young love teams shows—particularly evident in his previous work, ‘My Future You’. He knows how to pace emotional highs, hype key scenes, and draw out strong performances from his cast.
As for the ending, it is deeply satisfying. While still emotional, it is not as devastating as the original Korean film—a creative choice that works well for local audiences. What happens to Boy remains heartbreaking, but the film offers enough emotional resolution to leave viewers fulfilled rather than crushed.
Rated PG by the MTRCB, ‘A Werewolf Boy’ opens nationwide on January 14, 2026, with a budget-friendly ticket price of PHP 275.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
