Smaller and Smaller Circles

Smaller and Smaller Circles

Year: 2019

Runtime: 111 min

Language: Filipino

Director: Raya Martin

Echo Score: 69
Crime

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Smaller and Smaller Circles yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Smaller and Smaller Circles (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Smaller and Smaller Circles (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1997

The film takes place during the summer of 1997, a time marked by social and economic challenges in the Philippines. It reflects the darker aspects of city life and violence that were prevalent during this period, highlighting issues related to crime and social inequality.

Location

Quezon City, Payatas, Cultural Center of the Philippines

Quezon City is one of the largest cities in the Philippines, known for its bustling urban environment and rich cultural life. Payatas, a district within the city, is infamous for its large dumpsite, which serves as a backdrop for the somber events depicted in the film. The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a significant cultural hub that hosts various performances, making it a vital location in the investigation.

🏙️ City 🎭 Performance 🗑️ Dumpsite

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:29

Main Characters – Smaller and Smaller Circles (2019)

Meet the key characters of Smaller and Smaller Circles (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Father Augusto 'Gus' Saenz

Father Gus Saenz is a Jesuit priest and forensic investigator who leads the charge in solving the series of murders. His compassionate nature and dedication to justice drive him to uncover the truth, even amidst the dangers he faces. Gus embodies a moral compass in a world pulled apart by violence and despair.

👨‍⚖️ Investigator ✝️ Priest

Father Jerome Lucero

Father Jerome is another Jesuit priest and Gus's ally, providing valuable insights during the investigation. He displays a firm commitment to helping others and grapples with the moral complexities of their case, reflecting on the spiritual ramifications of the violence they are confronting.

✝️ Priest 👮‍♂️ Support

Deputy Director Phillip Mapa

Deputy Director Mapa steps in during a critical moment in the investigation. He portrays both authority and the challenges that come with leadership in a faltering case, revealing the frustrations that law enforcement faces when dealing with systemic issues.

👮 Chief ⚖️ Authority

Dr. Alejandro 'Alex' Carlos

Dr. Alex Carlos is a key suspect whose troubled psyche leads to tragic outcomes. His character is marked by inner turmoil, reflecting the film’s themes of violence and trauma. His descent into despair provides a poignant commentary on the impact of societal neglect.

💉 Doctor 😵 Troubled

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:29

Major Themes – Smaller and Smaller Circles (2019)

Explore the central themes of Smaller and Smaller Circles (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Justice

The quest for justice is a central theme in the film, as the priests undertake a perilous investigation to uncover the truth behind a series of gruesome murders. Their determination to seek answers exemplifies the struggle against societal indifference and the need for moral integrity amidst chaos.

🩸 Violence

Violence permeates the narrative, illustrated by the horrific nature of the crimes being investigated. The film delves into the psychological impacts of violence, both on the victims and the perpetrators, emphasizing the tragic consequences of unchecked aggression.

💔 Trauma

The theme of trauma is explored through the characters’ experiences and their interactions with one another. Personal histories of pain and suffering are revealed, showing how past traumas influence current actions and decisions, particularly in the case of Alex.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:29

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Moral quests against corruption like in Smaller and Smaller Circles

Determined individuals confront systemic rot in a quest for fragile justice.Find movies like Smaller and Smaller Circles where heroes grapple with institutional decay. If you liked the priests' fight against a flawed system, you'll appreciate these tense stories about the struggle for justice against overwhelming odds.

grittytensesomberunsettlingurgentmorally complex

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves an investigation that begins with a specific crime or injustice but soon exposes a much larger web of institutional failure. The protagonist's personal beliefs and ethics are severely tested as they realize true justice is often compromised or unattainable within a broken system.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here by their shared focus on the conflict between individual morality and systemic corruption. They create a tense, grim atmosphere where the pursuit of truth feels urgent and perilous, typically ending on a note of sobering, incomplete victory.

Somber crime procedurals similar to Smaller and Smaller Circles

Methodical, character-driven investigations into deeply disturbing crimes.Explore more dark and methodical crime investigations like Smaller and Smaller Circles. These films share a steady pace, a focus on character psychology, and a gritty, unsettling mood that prioritizes emotional depth over fast-paced action.

darkgrittydisturbingtensesomberpsychologicalunsettling

Narrative Summary

The narrative unfolds at a deliberate, steady pace, following the step-by-step process of an investigation. The central conflict is as much about the detective's own psyche and moral compass as it is about catching the culprit, often set against a backdrop of urban decay and social despair.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their similar vibe: a dark, gritty tone, a steady investigative pacing, and a high level of emotional intensity driven by disturbing subject matter. They prioritize mood and character depth over plot twists or action sequences.

Unlock the Full Story of Smaller and Smaller Circles

Don't stop at just watching — explore Smaller and Smaller Circles in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Smaller and Smaller Circles is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Smaller and Smaller Circles Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Smaller and Smaller Circles, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Smaller and Smaller Circles Summary

Smaller and Smaller Circles Timeline

Track the full timeline of Smaller and Smaller Circles with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Smaller and Smaller Circles Timeline

Smaller and Smaller Circles Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Smaller and Smaller Circles that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Smaller and Smaller Circles Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Smaller and Smaller Circles

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Smaller and Smaller Circles: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Smaller and Smaller Circles

Similar Movies to Smaller and Smaller Circles

Discover movies like Smaller and Smaller Circles that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.