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Smaller and Smaller Circles

Name: Smaller and Smaller Circles
Director: Raya Martin
Released: 2017
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

7.4/10

Good

2017

TV-14

Director

Raya Martin

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Smaller and Smaller Circles succeeds as a localized crime thriller that rejects Western-centric investigative clichés. It excels by grounding its narrative in the specific cultural and geographic realities of the Philippines, offering a sharp critique of institutional failure and class disparity. However, the film remains tied to traditional social structures. The heavy focus on male authority and the absence of explicit LGBTQ+ representation limit its scope of social diversity. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its ability to use the thriller genre to examine the intersection of religion, state corruption, and the vulnerability of the urban poor.

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Category Breakdown

Does Smaller and Smaller Circles have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film adheres to a traditional framework that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender. It does not prominently feature LGBTQ+ relationships or non-cisgender identities.

How does Smaller and Smaller Circles portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around male characters, particularly two Jesuit priests. It lacks significant involvement of women in the investigative process.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Smaller and Smaller Circles?

Excellent

The film presents an authentic Filipino perspective. It avoids whitewashing by emphasizing local viewpoints and linguistic nuances in Quezon City.

How does Smaller and Smaller Circles represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story offers a critical look at the Catholic Church and state institutions. It highlights how systemic corruption and socioeconomic neglect affect underrepresented communities.

Does Smaller and Smaller Circles include disability representation?

Fair

The film focuses on psychological trauma and mental health issues. These elements serve the central mystery rather than exploring disability as an independent experience.

Present on Screen

Authentic Filipino storytelling that avoids common genre whitewashing.
Sophisticated critique of religious and state institutions regarding systemic corruption.
In-depth, non-reductive exploration of psychological profiles and trauma.

Limited or Absent

Lack of significant female involvement in the investigative narrative.
Absence of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities.
Predominantly male-centric focus that reinforces traditional gender hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

A serial killer in Payatas leaves the bodies of young boys in the dump as two Jesuit priests try to solve the murders.

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