The Nightcrawlers

The Nightcrawlers from 2019 is an unnerving, tension-filled and starkly humane depiction of Philippines' grim reality in relation to President Rodrigo Duterte’s powerful and divisive war on drugs. Presented by National Geographic Documentary Films and directed by Alexander Mora, the engrossing documentary draws the audience into the horrific and chilling realities of the current sociopolitical state of the Philippine nation. The principal characters in this riveting exposé are photojournalists Ezra Acayan, Patricia Evangelista, and Carlo Gabuco.

Stepping into killings at crime scenes and pursuing leads from anonymous insiders, the daring journalists risk their safety every night, armed with nothing more than their cameras and the goal of unveiling the truth. Military-grade surveillance footage is expertly integrated within the movie, providing a gritty and visceral panorama of the landscape where the brutality unfolds - creating an overall gruesome, yet essential eye-opener for viewers worldwide.

These valiant photojournalists serve as the narrative drivers, uncovering the chilling reality of the government-led war against drugs that created an environment of fear and vigilante justice. They are known as "The Nightcrawlers," uncovering the depths of the darkness in the country's streets, documenting each grim, haunting tale of victims of extrajudicial killings.

Acayan's characters define the empathy and audacity prevalent in much of his work. Evangelista's insights showcase the extent of the damage inflicted on society, especially on the ordinary, helpless citizens often caught in the crossfire. Gabuco's fearlessness in capturing grim realities, no matter how distressing, brings unparalleled dimension to this documentary.

The Nightcrawlers expertly uses the photojournalists' personal thoughts, worries, and aspirations regarding their dangerous profession. They don’t shy away from expressing their fears and doubts, which puts a more personal lens to the societal horror. Even the smallest actions and decisions have profound effects, shaping the trajectory of countless lives caught in the violent purge.

The documentary provides a distressing view of the drug war from several angles—a mother grieving her son accused as a drug dealer, a former drug user who escaped the killing field, government officials justifying their actions, and policemen hunting down the suspects. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are exposed to the damaging consequences of the politically charged campaign beyond mere statistics, making it more human, personal, and heart-rending.

One phenomenal aspect of the documentary is its striking cinematography. Director Alexander Mora uses the chiaroscuro effect, a technique where the contrast between light and dark creates a sense of depth and volume. This technique allows viewers to perceive the eerie, gloomy, and unsettling mood that has engulfed the country. Coupled with the haunting musical score, this documentary achieves a dismal atmosphere that sticks with the audience well after the end credits.

Provocative and confronting, The Nightcrawlers challenges societal apathy and inaction towards injustices inflicted on the marginalized. It is a call to action, a plea for empathy, and a demand for positive change - serving as a testament to the power of journalism in exposing hard truths and fighting the battle against oppression and indifference.

In conclusion, The Nightcrawlers assays the human cost of Duterte's drug war through the lens of risk-taking photojournalists who dare to expose the harsh realities. Its presentation of graphic reality, accompanied by devastatingly personal stories, makes it a potent commentary on the regulations of power and its devastating implications on regular citizens. Grounding its narrative with the human experience of fear, loss, and survival, the movie sheds light on a society struggling in the abyss of unfair policy and impunity.

This movie is a must-watch for everyone - not just for the connoisseurs of documentaries or critics of political movements, but for anyone willing to take a closer look at the cost of a war waged against the most vulnerable. Through The Nightcrawlers, we are reminded that it's easy to lose sight of the human life behind the headlines, and only by persistently seeking out the truth can we hope to rectify such injustices.