On the Job: The Missing 8

Eight years on from his crime drama On the Job, filmmaker Erik Matti is back with another critique of corruption in the Philippines, that is at least as confrontational as the last. In the course of three-and-a-half hours, this follow-up shows how politicians, journalists and gangsters keep a depraved, merciless system going.

The strongly acted thriller starts with tensions within a media team. Journalist and radio host Sisoy is happy to do the rich mayor’s bidding, whilst editor-in-chief Arnel wants to take a critical stance against the political smokescreen. When many of the editorial team are suddenly murdered, last man standing Sisoy is forced into an act of resistance.

Matti spices up this main narrative with political power games during elections and prisoners being used as hired assassins – familiar themes from the last instalment. During the film’s best moments, its attractive retro atmosphere, accompanied by a great choice of music and beautifully stylised shots, is reminiscent of the work of Martin Scorsese.

---

Not available on Festival Scope Pro