After the mutilated bodies of two young boys are found in the dump of a poor region in Payatas, Philippines; Jesuit priests Father Augusto Saenz (Nonie Buencamino) and Father Jerome Lucero (Sid Lucero) look to solve the recent murders, with the help of reporter Joanna Bonifacio (Carla Humphries) and the local law enforcement. But as the two priests try to investigate the murders they find that solving the murder is not the only problem they face, as they must also deal with the systematic corruption of the government, the church and the elite.

Adapted from F. H. Batacan’s mystery crime novel of the same name, Smaller and smaller circle is a detective horror which delivers something completely different to what I was expecting. With a slow thought-provoking execution, it incorporates various stories to deliver a powerful message. Filipino horror may be known for their supernatural horrors, which are entertaining to watch, but the realistic grounded delivery of Smaller and smaller circle has a much deeper effect – primarily because you feel that a lot of the film’s concepts could have been inspired by real-life events.

The investigation into the murders occurs differently to what you may expect, as it is left to Father Saenz and Father Lucero to initially lead the forensic enquiries independently as the local law enforcement shows an inept attitude towards investigating the murders. This negligence from the authorities may not sound like normal practice, but this is probably not uncommon as the victims are scavengers from the poor stricken area of Payatas. With their impact on society is minimal it is not seen as a priority in the public’s interest and so their plight can easily be ignored.

The two leads Nonie Buencamino as the more experienced Father Saenz and Sid Lucero as the upcoming Father Lucero are both excellent in the film. There is a natural chemistry between the two characters who despite their friendship also have teacher/student role with Father Saenz passing on his experience.  With a mindset and knowledge in criminology, they both have education outside of the traditional teachings of the church; although Father Saenz also has additional knowledge of forensics which gives them an advantage in the investigation.

It is interesting to see the facts unfold as they work together to develop not only a view of the crime, but a psychological profile of the killer as they try to understand what drives the killer to commit such a heinous crime. It is very well paced with several subplots to keep the story moving, so although it does take time for the facts to unfold it never feels drawn out and keeps you captivated throughout.

Despite the seriousness of the crimes, where appropriate there is also an element of comedy in the film, which mostly stems from the friendship between the two priests taunting each other – although there are some unexpected characters whose comical delivery in their brief cameos are extremely. It doesn’t distract from the overall tone and importance of the subject matter, but it does give the audience a break from the tension which the film builds.

The film incorporates the title’s theme of circles in the main story and various subplots, which highlight the support networks in the hierarchy of society and how they operate to protect each other. The poorest communities surviving as scavengers are clearly the smallest circle, their situations often overlooked as they left to defend for themselves, whilst the more elite and privileged have a much larger circle to support each other.

The church is emphasised as one of the largest circles, using their powers to protect their own interests and the Church’s reputation. This includes the suppression of sexual abuse allegations with investigations dealt with internally and in the process, the pressure is placed upon those opposed the decision which is further enforced by supporters of the churches.

The way the church is perceived is conflicted, although the priests are looking into the murder, a decision made by Cardinal Meneses (Ricky Davao) to deal with an abuse allegation internally divides opinion. Despite the morality of the situation it still raises arguments from both sides. The issue is discussed frequently throughout the film and one of my favourite scenes is a discussion between Father Saenz and Cardinal Meneses at the hospital. Following a chance meeting, they try to discuss amicably their opinions on how several allegations of sexual assault on a child by priest Monsignor Ramirez (Monsignor Ramirez) should be conducted.

The conversation may be conducted in a calm voice with laughter and smiles, but you can see behind the false facade that they are both incensed as each other’s suggestions. It is a brilliant scene with an ideology which is reiterated throughout the film, with Father Saenz asking enthesis the need for an enquiry by the law enforcement to stuff any further children from suffering. The Cardinal responds with a smile and a statement which we know is replicated too often around the world, “We need to do what is right for the church”. From that, we know it is the larger circle which needs to be protected.

Throughout the film we do not see the murders, however, we do see the body of the children after they have been mutilated, and It is a powerful visual with does not hold back. The execution of the special effects are realistic and as you would expect extremely effective as they have had their; genitals, heart and organs removed along with their faces peeled off. I was surprised that they gave you such a visual look at the maimed bodies, but they really wanted to make an impact and thanks to the graphic execution it definitely creates an image that really stays with you.

The often-subtle score incorporates the voices of a children’s church choir creates a dark haunting feel which helps to create the mood of the scene, without overpowering the performances. It feels intentional that use of the choir will also serve as a reminder to some of the reoccurring themes regarding the victims, which plays subconsciously on your mind whilst watching.

Smaller and Smaller Circles is a slow intelligent horror which takes its time for the events to unfold, it gets the viewer to think and, in the end, delivering a much deeper message than a crime horror where they are trying to solve the murders. As a crime horror it does take its time for events to unfold and with the lack of violence, it may not appeal to all horror fans who are expecting blood and jump scares. However, if you are looking for an intelligent horror, driven by a great story and concentrating on the performances from the cast, this is a film which is

With the film taking its time to unfold and lack of violence it may not be to everyone, but with the excellent performances and depth of the storytelling, it has a lot more to offer than you may expect.

Philip Rogers

Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!