The original 2001 film is remembered more for its technical merit and neo-noir atmosphere.
Reviews for Balahibong Pusa (translated as Cat Hairs ) generally fall into two camps: appreciation for the 2001 original as a stylized neo-noir cult classic and criticism of the 2025 Vivamax remake as a shallow erotic thriller. Balahibong Pusa
Some find the plot forced and difficult to follow, often distracted by "weird" subplots. The film’s color palette and visual style have been compared to the 2002 remake of The Ring . The original 2001 film is remembered more for
Reviewers on Letterboxd highlight strong performances from Elizabeth Oropesa and Julio Diaz , along with promising directorial touches from a then-young Yam Laranas. Balahibong Pusa