Watch Smaller and Smaller Circles

Smaller and Smaller Circles is a 2017 crime-thriller film directed by Raya Martin and based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Filipino author F.H. Batacan. The movie follows two Jesuit priests, Father Gus Saenz (played by Nonie Buencamino) and Father Jerome Lucero (played by Sid Lucero), as they investigate a series of brutal murders of young boys in a Manila slum. Madeleine Humphries also stars as Joanna Bonifacio, a forensic anthropologist who lends her expertise to the investigation.

The film is set in the early 2000s, and the story begins with the discovery of the body of a young boy who has been tortured and killed in a church in Payatas, a poverty-stricken area of Manila. Father Saenz, who is known for his expertise in forensic medicine, is called in by the police to help with the investigation. Saenz quickly realizes that the boy's death is not an isolated incident and that there may be a serial killer at work. He is joined in his investigation by Father Lucero, a psychologist who is also a former student of Saenz.

The two priests soon find themselves in the middle of a complex web of corruption, greed, and violence. They discover that the killer is targeting boys from the slum area and that the murders are connected to a powerful and wealthy family who are involved in the illegal trade of human organs. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they are met with resistance from the police, who are more interested in protecting the interests of the rich and powerful than in solving the crimes.

The movie is a masterful blend of crime drama and social commentary. It shines a light on the stark contrast between the haves and have-nots in the Philippines, where poverty is rife and the rich and powerful exploit the poor for their own gain. The film also tackles issues such as corruption, police brutality, and the failure of the justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

One of the strengths of the movie is the excellent performances of its cast. Nonie Buencamino is outstanding as Father Saenz, bringing depth and gravitas to the character. Sid Lucero is equally impressive as Father Lucero, and the chemistry between the two actors is palpable. Madeleine Humphries brings a strong female presence to the film as Joanna Bonifacio, a character who is both intelligent and compassionate.

Another notable aspect of the movie is the way it tackles the subject of child abuse and the impact it has on its victims. The film does not shy away from the graphic nature of the crimes committed against the young boys and highlights the devastating effect they have on their families and communities. The movie also emphasizes the need for a more compassionate and humane response to child abuse, rather than the punitive approach favored by the justice system.

Overall, Smaller and Smaller Circles is an intense and thought-provoking crime thriller that tackles complex social issues with sensitivity and intelligence. The film is a powerful indictment of the inequalities and injustices that exist in contemporary Filipino society and a testament to the resilience and courage of those who strive to bring about change.

Smaller and Smaller Circles is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 39.