Scarecrow (2015)

Scarecrow (2015)

A simple but emotionally charged Filipino morality tale with lots to say

7.9

Movie

Philippines
Ilocano, Tagalog
Drama
2015
ZIG MADAMBA DULAY
Alessandra de Rossi, Erlinda Villalobos, Julio Diaz
120 min

What it's about

The search for a missing watch instigates the painful quest for the truth in Belyn’s and her son’s life.

The take

Made with the modesty and authenticity of modern indie cinema from the Philippine regions, Scarecrow (or in the Ilocano language, Bambanti) uses the disappearance of a watch to paint a vivid picture of faith and judgment in a small town. There is no formal legal investigation into this supposed theft; what guides these characters instead are an unwavering belief in religion and folk traditions, and long-repressed resentment toward those who choose to disturb the peace. It quickly becomes evident that this witch hunt targeting a single mother (an incredible Alessandra de Rossi) and her son is about something else entirely—unresolved grief, economic struggle, and the fear and prejudice that the middle class can still harbor towards the least privileged among us.

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