Alpha: The Right To Kill

Alpha: The Right to Kill, filmed in 2018 under the direction of Brillante Mendoza, is a gripping and unnerving depiction of the grim realities of the war on drugs in the Philippines, which is infamous for its relentless violence and savagery. The movie offers a grueling gaze into the brutal world of drug dealing and law enforcement, spearheaded by an earnest performance from Allen Dizon, supported by Elijah Filamor and Angela Cortez.

The film centers on two central figures: SWAT officer Espino (Allen Dizon) and small-time drug pusher, Abel (Elijah Filamor). The relationship between these two men, firmly separated by the law yet connivingly intertwined in survival, sets the formidable backdrop for the narrative. Espino is a focused character driven by his duty to eradicate drugs from the system while struggling with the moral and ethical dilecurities his job presents him. On the other side, Abel represents the underprivileged section of society driven into crimes of desperation by the devastating despair of poverty and lack of opportunities.

Mendoza has chosen a setting that is chaotic, volatile, and riven with corruption where morality is a blurry concept, and survival is the only truth. The slums of Manila, plagued with crime, drugs, and violence represent an environment where dreams of a decent life are distant and often shattered by the brutal law enforcement and intervention of corrupt officials.

The dilemma of Abel and Espino is mirrored in the film's central conflict, promptly illustrating the harsh dichotomy between law enforcement's intentions and the grim reality of implementing it, which often involves corrupt practices. Espino, a police officer, struggles with the realization that the path of righteousness is often littered with corruption, while Abel, pushed into the vicious cycle of drug distribution, fights his own battles of survival.

The film, while dwelling deep into the thematic complexity of social issues, corruption, and justice, maintains a gripping narrative with its action-packed sequences. The tension escalates when a large-scale raid is initiated on the slums of Manila, where drug pushers like Abel and snitches live. The thrilling action sequences, chilling reality, handheld camerawork, and raw performances in this part of the film engross the viewer into the heated world of "Alpha."

Director Brillante Mendoza has managed to capture the gruesomeness, ardor, and tension of this real-world issue with a raw aesthetic. The claustrophobic slums, the fear in the victim’s eyes, the desperation – everything is shown up close and personal, making the audience feel a part of the narrative. His knack for cultivating life-like performances from his actors is praiseworthy. Allen Dizon delivers a compelling performance that holds the film together, embodying the public servant's internal conflict tasked with a deadly duty. Elijah Filamor gives life to the character of Abel, sympathetically portraying the trials and tribulations of the underprivileged in such inhospitable surroundings.

Then there's Angela Cortez, who adds another layer of depth to the narrative. As an anxious mother and Abel’s wife, she represents countless other women in these populated slums, hoping for a better and safer future for their families.

Despite its grim and gritty nature, at its heart, Alpha: The Right to Kill is a human drama. It's about people caught in a hostile world where lines between right and wrong are frequently blurred, where survival and morality often come at a gruesome cost. From pulsating action scenes to visceral moments of human tragedy, the film offers a comprehensive look at a society grappling with a deadly quandary.

In a nutshell, Alpha: The Right to Kill is a powerful and unnerving cinematic experience that doesn't shy away from revealing the harsh realities of the war against drugs in today's society. The movie sends across a message that echoes long after the credits roll, leaving an intense impact on the viewer.