Amidst the on-going 'Oplan Tokhang' initiated by the Philippine government to rehabilitate drug users; husband and wife, Maria and Arturo, surrendered to the police despite being clean for years already. Happy about their new start. Everything changes after Arturo was killed by unknown gunmen. As Maria seeks justice for her dead husband, she inadvertently uncovers the authorities unlawful and deadly underground operation connected to Oplan Tokhang. Putting her and her children in a dangerous situation.
Director Ben Rekhi prefers to diversify the genre of his film, unlike other directors. He directed the suspenseful survival film Waterborne and the Indian-American thriller The Ashram back in 2005 and 2018 respectively. Watch List stars Alessandra De Rossi, as she once again delivered what is expected of her, further solidifying her spot as one of the best actress of the century.
What makes Watch List an effective narrative about the current war on drugs is that it takes a real stand on this pressing issue. The film clearly and convincingly accuses the people in power about their illicit and inhuman undertakings. Picturing them as hideous and disgusting creatures underneath their respectable clothes.
Set against the backdrop of a dilapidated neighborhood in the Philippines, Watch List's message is well beyond the killings and the drugs. It tells us a lot about poverty too. Rekhi perfectly captured the life in the slums. It's messy, dangerous and chaotic with its maze-like alleys being the reflection of the poor's never-ending problems.
Lower class people are treated as insects in this film and its honestly disturbing. Like a fly that can easily be killed, the film is unafraid to show how ruthless people can be. Adding to this distressing depiction of the poor is the authorities blind fanaticism to a government and a system that puts them on top. It just means to show that when judgment is held by cruel and barbaric officials, there will never be peace and more innocent lives will be lost.
In summary. There is a sense of relentlessness within the film's story that despite it has nothing new to say about the issue, It still unceasingly paints a grim picture of the reality we face today. A picture that we must see to answer the questions, who is the real enemy and what is the real problem.
5/5
