Why 'On The Job: The Missing 8' is PH's Best Bet for Oscars—A Tatler Review

A viscerally painful crime thriller like 'On the Job: The Missing 8' is a deserving contender at the Oscars—here's why

Severing the root of corruption is as complex as those who indulge in it. Director Erik Matti portrays the grit and grime of this situation in the Emmy-nominated HBO series On the Job: The Missing 8, which premiered at the 78th Venice Film Festival as a film.

The film, inspired by true events, is a thrilling sequel to On the Job (2013) with a powerhouse cast that includes Christopher de Leon, Lotlot de Leon, Leo Martinez, Joey Marquez, Agot Isidro and Dante Rivero to name a few.

But brooding moments belong to John Arcilla, who was hailed Best Actor at the 78th Venice Film Festival, as his presence dominates the screen when he embodies Sisoy Salas, a corrupt radio broadcaster and co-founder of La Paz News, a local newspaper, who begins an investigation after seven of his colleagues (including his good friend's son) go missing.

Above Photo: IMDb

All the while, inmate Roman Rubio (played by Dennis Trillo) seeks freedom despite being hired as a hitman after admitting to a crime he didn't commit. The actor, who often stars as the charming leading man in Filipino series and movies, disappears into his role. Trillo's character however makes it difficult for the viewers to take sides.

This is where the film's brilliance lies—the duality of man and life portrayed in different ways:

Photo 1 of 2 Dennis Trillo (Photo: Asian Film Festival / YouTube)

Photo 2 of 2 Christopher de Leon (Photo: Asian Film Festival / YouTube)

"Ang batas po ay batas, kahit po sino pa 'yan [The law is the law. It applies to everyone]," preaches the nationalist Sisoy.

Although the line is the very crux that viewers hold onto, it is ironically delivered by a flawed character who commits the simplest acts of corruption even in the presence of a child.

The theme is also applied to the cinematography as different angles of a certain scene are simultaneously shown through a split-screen.

For instance, the scene where Mayor Pedring Eusebio is taking questions at a press conference is depicted through a split-screen, portraying the many perspectives of the media. It may as well signify the varying sides to riveting stories like the missing eight.

Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Asian Film Festival / YouTube

Photo 2 of 2 Dennis Trillo (Photo: Asian Film Festival / YouTube)

There have been a few other Filipino films submitted to the International Film category of the Academy Award in the past with compelling stories, including Brillante Mendoza's Ma' Rosa, Mikhail Red's Birdshot, and Chito S Roño's Signal Rock, to name a few. Not a single one has been nominated yet.

This year, the Philippines' Oscar entry is On the Job: The Missing 8. There's no telling if this could be the year when a Filipino film will finally reign at the 95th Academy Awards. However, with a fantastic cast and a story that seems universal as the film explores the complexities of different perspectives: the inmate's desire for freedom; the exposition of corruption through social media; the play of political powers; and the elections—On the Job: The Missing 8 could be a strong contender among giants this year.

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