WATCH LIST (2020) Review
Directed by Ben Rekhi
Making a film about extra judicial killing is already brave itself, but Ben Rekhi’s Filipino crime drama presents more than its controversial subject as it draws emotion from its core theme which is the love of a mother for her family.
This is one of those films that difficult to watch. Not just because it involves killing but because the treatment of the film feels like it’s all real. This is the nightmare we’re living in today. The injustice, the helplessness of those who are in need, and the effects of extra judicial killing to the families affected by it.
I know this is an Alessandra de Rossi movie, and she is great in it. You really see the sincerity she puts on her character from start to finish. But what blew me away was Micko Laurente’s acting in the last minutes of the film. Given the background of what his character has been through, it did help a lot. But his eyes, his face, it was haunting. I could feel the anguish, the fear, the loss of hope, loss of everything.
Watch List may not have the most inventive storytelling or has surprises that makes it fresh. But the film more than immerses you with the unfortunate circumstances of a poor family tagged as a drug user/pusher. It’s a heavy and gut-wrenching crime drama movie that’s brave to be out in cinemas today.
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Watch List’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide from XYZ Films and Reality Entertainment. Rated R-16 by the MTRCB.
Thanks for reviewing this movie. I won’t be aware of it if not for this blog post.