Smaller and Smaller Circles (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Smaller and Smaller Circles is a 2019 crime film directed by Raya Martin, starring Bembol Roco as NBI Director Francisco Lastimosa, Sid Lucero and Christopher De Leon. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes. Critics gave it 40% on Rotten Tomatoes and 39 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 51m (111 min)
- Director
- Raya Martin
- Genre
- Crime
- Original language
-
Filipino - Studio
- Uncork'd Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Smaller and Smaller Circles About?
The premise of Smaller and Smaller Circles without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Two Jesuit priests are deeply disturbed by a series of horrific murders targeting young children. Driven by their faith and a desire for justice, they begin a dangerous investigation into the crimes, uncovering a disturbing reality within their city. As they delve deeper, they face immense challenges that test their beliefs and threaten to overwhelm them in a desperate search for the truth.
Smaller and Smaller Circles Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- killer
Smaller and Smaller Circles Cast & Characters
Bembol Roco leads the cast as NBI Director Francisco Lastimosa, with Sid Lucero as Father Jerome Lucero, SJ and Christopher De Leon as NBI Deputy Director Phillip Mapa. Directed by Raya Martin; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Raya Martin
- Bembol Roco as NBI Director Francisco Lastimosa
-
Sid Lucero as Father Jerome Lucero, SJ - Christopher De Leon as NBI Deputy Director Phillip Mapa
- TJ Trinidad as Deputy Jake Valdez
Also Starring in Smaller and Smaller Circles
· 6 more- Gladys Reyes Hon. Tess Mariano
- Raffy Tejada Atty. Benjamin Arcinas
- Erlinda Villalobos Lolita Bansuy
- Jess Mendoza Father Emil
- Noni Buencamino
- Carla Humphries
More from Raya Martin
More films directed by Raya Martin, best-rated first: La Última Película, Death of Nintendo, Aos Sí and How to Disappear Completely.
Smaller and Smaller Circles Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Smaller and Smaller Circles 40% on Rotten Tomatoes and 39 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in rewatch factor (82) and weakest in sensory experience (57).
Smaller and Smaller Circles Echo Score Breakdown
Smaller and Smaller Circles delivers a mixed response, with its compelling premise offset by uneven execution. While reviewers commend its polished production elements and performances, many point to stagy dialogue and predictable plotting. The procedural pacing and technical hiccups, especially in sound design and editing, further temper its impact. In sum, the film offers intriguing potential marred by inconsistent delivery.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 72
In terms of art and craft, the film presents a generally polished visual package. Cinematography and production design earn consistent praise for establishing a fitting atmosphere, though technical inconsistencies such as shutter artifacts and uneven color grading draw occasional criticism. Overall, the visual composition supports the narrative effectively despite sporadic execution flaws.
- Character & Emotion 68
When it comes to character and emotion, performances receive varied feedback. Several reviews highlight strong portrayals by the leads, praising nuanced delivery and credible chemistry, while others note stagy delivery and muffled dialogue that hinder emotional clarity. The principal cast sustains engagement, yet intermittent unevenness in line delivery reduces the overall character resonance.
- Story & Flow 66
In terms of story and flow, the film’s premise and procedural structure intrigue many observers, with its original setting and suspenseful investigation drawing positive remarks. However, predictable plot developments, episodic pacing, and an underwhelming climax are frequently noted as drawbacks. Consequently, the narrative maintains interest but falls short of fully realizing its thriller aspirations.
- Sensory Experience 57
When considering the sensory experience, the score and sound design generate mixed reactions. A haunting musical motif is noted by some, though others criticize muffled dialogue, uneven sound mixing, and generic scoring. Visually, the film’s moody style and atmospheric choices contribute effectively to mood, but intermittent technical lapses in audio reduce overall sensory cohesion.
- Rewatch Factor 82
Regarding rewatch factor, opinions suggest moderate lasting appeal. The central mystery and thematic setting provide enough intrigue for potential repeat viewings, and the principal performances offer moments of rediscovery. Conversely, predictable plot turns and technical inconsistencies, particularly in pacing and sound, may diminish enthusiasm for additional viewings. Overall, its replay value remains modest.
-
IMDb 6.5 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 40% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 83%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 39 Metascore
See on Metacritic
Smaller and Smaller Circles Plot Summary
What happens in Smaller and Smaller Circles from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the sweltering summer of 1997, a harrowing event unfolded at the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City, where the lifeless body of a teenage boy was discovered. This grim find served as a chilling reminder of the senseless violence plaguing the city. To tackle this disturbing case, Father Augusto “Gus” Saenz, a Jesuit priest and forensic investigator, received a summons from Francisco Lastimosa, the NBI deputy director, to delve into a murder spree that had left devastation in its wake. Joining him in this mission was Father Jerome Lucero, another dedicated Jesuit priest, who brought his valuable insights and expertise to the unfolding investigation.
Full summary
The whole story of Smaller and Smaller Circles, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Smaller and Smaller Circles?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What year does the story of 'Smaller and Smaller Circles' take place?
Seen Smaller and Smaller Circles?
Movies Like Smaller and Smaller Circles
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Small Kill, Small Crimes and Circle of Bones.
Smaller and Smaller Circles FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Smaller and Smaller Circles, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Smaller and Smaller Circles?
Smaller and Smaller Circles runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).
When was Smaller and Smaller Circles released?
Smaller and Smaller Circles was released on March 1, 2019.
Who directed Smaller and Smaller Circles?
Smaller and Smaller Circles was directed by Raya Martin.
More films by Raya Martin Who is in the cast of Smaller and Smaller Circles?
Smaller and Smaller Circles stars Bembol Roco as NBI Director Francisco Lastimosa, Sid Lucero as Father Jerome Lucero, SJ and Christopher De Leon as NBI Deputy Director Phillip Mapa, among 10 credited actors.
How is Smaller and Smaller Circles rated?
Smaller and Smaller Circles has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 40% on Rotten Tomatoes and 39 on Metacritic.
Does Smaller and Smaller Circles have a post-credit scene?
No. Smaller and Smaller Circles has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Smaller and Smaller Circles in?
The original language of Smaller and Smaller Circles is Filipino.
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