Smaller and Smaller Circles

Smaller and Smaller Circles, directed by Raya Martin, is a 2017 thriller-drama based on F.H. Batacan's award-winning crime novel. The movie was brought to life by an impressive star-studded cast, including Madeleine Humphries, Nonie Buencamino, Sid Lucero among others.

Set in the early 1990s, the dark and atmospheric novel-turned-film explores the underbelly of socio-political life in Metro Manila through the eyes of two Jesuit priests. Buencamino and Lucero impressively portray these multitasking priests, Father Gus Saenz and Father Jerome Lucero, respectively. Both are dedicated forensic anthropologists by day and compassionate Jesuits by night. They extend their service to not only help people spiritually but to provide justice to victims of unimaginable crimes.

Madeleine Humphries gives a captivating performance as Joanna Bonifacio, a journalist and previous student of Father Saenz, who assists the duo in their quest. Bonifacio's character adds another perspective to the narrative, as she determines to uncover the truth through her journalistic lens.

Smaller and Smaller Circles successfully navigates between a chilling murder mystery and a critique of systemic corruption, social injustice, and the occasional apathy within institutions of power. The title subtly represents how the investigators progressively close in on the killer, drawing tighter and tighter circles around the suspect as the plot progresses.

The film starts with the gruesome discovery of mutilated bodies dumped on Payatas, a large and notorious dumpsite in Quezon City. Due to the nature of these murders, local law enforcement struggles to solve the case. Enter Fathers Saenz and Lucero, whose expertise in forensic science and psychology make them uniquely prepared to handle such a case. Their involvement, however, exposes them to the dark and shady corners of the religious and political society they are a part of.

The movie stands out with its realistic portrayal of Manila's chaotic atmosphere. The cinematography effectively balances the grimy, filthy streets of Payatas with the pristine, tranquil interiors of the church and the university where the priests reside. The contrast paints a vivid picture of life in Metro Manila, showcasing the stark difference between the standards of living, speaking volumes without any dialogue.

Similarly, the movie doesn't hold back on showcasing the uncomfortable brutality of the crimes, going to explicit lengths to drive home the point of humanity's capacity for violence. The movie also does a commendable job of highlighting the two priests’ challenges when they take matters into their own hands. The duo endures several hurdles in the form of a skeptical and dismissive director of the National Bureau of Investigations and a corrupt Cardinal in the Church who prefers brushing inconvenient truths under the carpet rather than confront them.

On the other hand, the victims' helpless families waiting for justice and the media's role in holding institutions accountable are also smartly woven into the narrative. Their plight helps to amplify the urgency and chilling ambiance that persistently hang over the proceedings.

Smaller and Smaller Circles is not just a crime thriller—it's a piercing commentary on societal issues that persist in the shadows of modern, urban life. It poses moral and ethical questions about power, corruption, and the fight for truth and justice. Director Raya Martin and screenwriters Ria Limjap and Moira Lang adapt Batacan’s novel into a visual narrative that retains its layered, contextual essence while keeping the cinematic appeal intact.

The movie's suspenseful progression and climax appeal to fans of thrillers and whodunits. At the same time, the deeper undertones and threads intimately related to societal issues pull in those who enjoy thought-provoking cinema. Thus, Smaller and Smaller Circles casts a wide net, capable of engaging a diverse audience.

In conclusion, Smaller and Smaller Circles intricately weaves a thrilling narrative shot against a backdrop of societal introspection. It grips you in its icy clutch from the beginning, maintains that grip with a well-structured storyline, thought-provoking narratives, and commendable performances from the cast, and leaves you contemplative at the end. By effectively straddling the line between crime thriller and social commentary, this movie, armed with unforgettable, textured characters and chilling realism, is a must-watch for any fan of genre-bending cinema.