FK Reviews “A Werewolf Boy (2026)”: Should We Even Be Touching K-Movies?
Filipino remakes of Korean films are walking on thin ice. Some succeed, some stumble badly. A Werewolf Boy (2026) sits somewhere in between — and it might make you wonder why we even try sometimes.
The Plot Feels Familiar… Maybe Too Familiar
If you’ve seen the 2012 Korean original, you already know the story. Sara (Angela Muji) moves to the province, meets a mysterious boy (Rabin Angeles), and a quiet, tender love unfolds. The Philippine version follows the Korean beats almost scene by scene. There’s nothing shocking or new in the story itself.
And yet, unlike other remakes like Miracle in Cell No. 7, which earned millions and still didn’t bother to remove modern flatscreens or camera phones from a 1997 setting, A Werewolf Boy actually tries. The dialogue feels Filipino, the Taal setting feels lived-in, and the humor lands naturally. This adaptation feels like it was made with care rather than just copied.
Performances: The Only Real Fire
Rabin Angeles steals the show. His “Good Boy” is more feral, more physical, and far more believable than many would expect from a local fantasy adaptation. Angela Muji is soft and earnest, though the chemistry between the leads isn’t exactly Oscar-level. Candy Pangilinan’s comedic timing and Lorna Tolentino’s emotional punch prove this film has moments that stick — it’s just too bad they’re scattered.
Albie Casiño plays the antagonist well, but some lines are clearly lifted from the original, which can feel a bit lazy. Filipino remakes don’t always need to follow the source material slavishly, and this is a perfect example of where that choice almost weakens the narrative.
The Beauty and the Flaws of “A Werewolf Boy (2026)”
Technically, the film is solid. The cinematography, sound design, and rural Taal scenery are all strong points. But minor inconsistencies and awkward pacing pop up. Some scenes feel disconnected, leaving you wondering what just happened. The movie balances faithfulness with entertainment, and sometimes it struggles to do both.
Still, A Werewolf Boy avoids the worst pitfalls of local remakes. It doesn’t feel lazy or careless, which is a relief given how often adaptations misfire.
READ: Why the Color of the Year 2026 “Cloud Dancer” Feels So Filipino
Should You Watch It?
Yes, if only to see Rabin Angeles in his prime, or to enjoy a quiet love story without constant kilig. Go in with your expectations in check. This is a faithful remake with heart, not a reinvention. Its strength is feeling Filipino while respecting the original; its weakness is not fully carving out its own identity.
Final Words
A Werewolf Boy (2026) shows that Filipino cinema can handle delicate remakes when effort is put in. It’s not perfect, not revolutionary, and not flawless. But unlike other adaptations that feel rushed or uninspired, this one mostly earns its keep — gentle, heartfelt, and quietly Filipino.
For K-cinema fans, it might feel unnecessary. For audiences wary of local remakes, it’s a rare example that respects its source material while adding a local touch. It might spark debate, it might trigger nostalgia, but it’s undeniably watchable.
