Argyle Gavyn R.

Lee

HUMSS 1

Movie Analysis – 21st Century Literature

INTRODUCTION

The award-winning Filipino novel movie called Smaller and Smaller Circle was adapted into a
movie directed by Raya Martin. The movie centered around the murder mystery happening
around the region of Payatas, Emphasizing the injustice and corruption that run rampant, our
main character, Father Saenz helps solve the murder mystery with his colleague and conflicts
with the corruption around them.

PLOT SUMMARY

The story was led by Father Saenz with his partner Father Lucero, together they
investigate the serial killing happening in the region of Payatas. Exploring the
incompetence of the NBI and the corruption running rampant. Encountering past
students, helping them. As the story progresses, they find the killer and the trauma
that led he/she astray.

Character Analysis

Father Saenz: The not-so-typical priest of his time who pursues hope that everyone has good in
them.

Father Lucero: The partner of Saenz who helped him throughout their case, he is also an expert
in psychology who came up with different theories as to the nature of the killer.

Journalist Bonifacio: The hardworking journalist who pursued the truth, she was also the reason
they gained knowledge of what was the murder weapon. Additionally, Father Saenz describes
her as pesky when she wants information.

Attorney Arsinas: Attention seeker in short who does not care if he got the wrong suspect just
so that he could appear in the media.

Director Lastimoza: The only competent on the NBI that punishes those that do not care about
justice. Ex. The time where she led them to the clinic and gave them the contact info of the
caterer.

Alex Carlos: The serial killer, driven by his trauma.

Counselor Tess Mariano: One of the supporting characters who helps the main
character unconditionally.

The recurring theme was the constant violence, which led the audience to believe that crime can
happen to anyone. The ongoing corruption where the one with power and connection gets
protected is also a key factor in the story. The killer was born in a place which is known for its
poverty, which limits anyone from attaining justice.

Theme

The recurring theme was the constant violence, which led the audience to believe that crime can
happen to anyone. The ongoing corruption where the one with power and connection gets
protected is also a key factor in the story. The killer was born in a place which is known for its
poverty, which limits anyone from attaining justice.

Conclusion

The movie shows the ongoing corruption of the people effectively hinders justice like when they
accuse an innocent man of a crime. They ignore the crime that happened and even joke about it
disregarding the severity of the crime. The few people who cared were targeted and disregarded
their opinions. On the bright side, the movie also shows that there are still people who seek
justice though it may be just from the film nonetheless the portrayal of the negative and positive
aspects of the Philippines was shown. The only downside to the movie itself was the lack of
satisfaction which left the audience wanting more.