New Movies: The Gospel of the Beast (2023) by Sheron R. Dayoc

The Gospel of the Beast (2023): A Descent into Beasthood and Unconventional Kinship

Description: "The Gospel of the Beast" is a 2023 Filipino drama film directed by Sheron R. Dayoc, a filmmaker known for his thought-provoking and often gritty portrayals of Philippine realities. The film follows Mateo, a 15-year-old boy who, after accidentally killing a classmate, is forced to run away. He forms an unlikely and complex father-son relationship with Berto, a man he barely knows but who introduces him to the harsh realities of life, death, and the criminal underworld, leading Mateo on a harrowing journey into "beasthood."

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29311544/

Link Review: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-gospel-of-the-beast-review-sheron-dayoc-1235625584/

About movie: https://www.southernlantern.com/film/the-gospel-of-the-beast

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-gospel-of-the-beast (US)

Detailed Summary: Mateo (Jansen Magpusao) is a 15-year-old troublemaker in school, but fundamentally a good-hearted boy who has taken on the role of man of the house after his father mysteriously went missing. His life takes a dark turn when a confrontation with a schoolmate escalates, resulting in the accidental death of his rival. With nowhere to go, Mateo seeks help from Berto (Ronnie Lazaro), a mysterious man who persuades him to escape and introduces him to the operations of a local syndicate.

As Mateo takes refuge in the old mansion where the syndicate operates, his world darkens. He is slowly exposed to and begins to participate in the grim realities of their criminal activities, from delivering drugs to disposing of dead bodies, pushing him further into despair and violence. Over time, Berto paradoxically evolves into a complex father figure for Mateo, teaching him the brutal "gospel" of their world. The film meticulously tracks Mateo's transformation as he grapples with his conscience and succumbs to the syndicate's influence. His ultimate journey into "beasthood" is sealed when his best friend is killed by the same syndicate, and he uncovers a shocking truth about his father's disappearance, forcing him to confront the full extent of his new, violent reality.

Plot Summary:

• Accidental Killing: 15-year-old Mateo accidentally kills a classmate, forcing him to flee his home.

• Unlikely Alliance: Mateo runs away with Berto, a mysterious man who becomes a surrogate father figure.

• Descent into Crime: Berto introduces Mateo to a criminal syndicate, where Mateo learns about violence, death, and "beasthood."

• Profound Transformation: Mateo's journey is a harrowing coming-of-age story, as he grapples with morality and fully embraces his new, brutal existence.

Director's Vision: Sheron R. Dayoc's vision for "The Gospel of the Beast" is to create a raw, unflinching, and ultimately tragic coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Philippines' criminal underworld. He aims to explore the insidious nature of violence and how it can corrupt even the innocent, examining themes of masculinity, flawed father figures, and the loss of innocence. Dayoc uses a grounded, realistic approach to immerse the audience in Mateo's moral degradation, reflecting the harsh realities of life in marginalized communities. The film is described as a "tough and tender" exploration of survival and the grim choices individuals make when pushed to the brink.

Themes:

• Loss of Innocence: The central theme revolves around Mateo's forced transformation from a troubled teenager into a hardened individual within a criminal environment.

• Corrupting Influence of Violence: Explores how exposure to and participation in criminal activities can desensitize and ultimately transform individuals.

• Paternal Relationships & Mentorship: Examines the complex and twisted father-son dynamic between Mateo and Berto, where Berto guides Mateo into a life of crime.

• Survival & Desperation: Portrays the harsh realities faced by those on the fringes of society, driven by circumstance to make desperate choices.

• Moral Ambiguity: Challenges viewers to confront difficult questions about right and wrong in a world where choices are often shades of gray.

Key Success Factors:

• Compelling Performances: Jansen Magpusao delivers a powerful portrayal of Mateo's transformation, ably supported by veteran actor Ronnie Lazaro as the enigmatic Berto.

• Gritty Realism: The film's authentic portrayal of the criminal underworld and the harsh realities of life in the Philippines adds significant weight and impact.

• Thought-Provoking Narrative: It tackles sensitive themes of violence, morality, and paternal influence in a way that encourages deep reflection.

• Sheron R. Dayoc's Acclaimed Direction: Dayoc is a respected Filipino filmmaker, and his distinct voice brings depth and gravitas to the story.

• Strong Festival Presence: Its selection for prestigious international film festivals indicates high artistic merit and relevance on a global scale.

Summary Short: "The Gospel of the Beast" (2023) is a Filipino drama by Sheron R. Dayoc. It follows 15-year-old Mateo (Jansen Magpusao) who, after accidentally killing a classmate, runs away and forms a dark father-son bond with Berto (Ronnie Lazaro), learning the brutal realities of the criminal underworld. The film premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival in October 2023 and has won several awards, including the Golden Star Award at the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival 2024.

Awards and Nominations (Selected):

• Golden Star Award for Best Southeast Asian Film: Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF) 2024.

• Official Selection, Main Competition: Tokyo International Film Festival 2023 (World Premiere).

• Official Selection: International Film Festival of India 2023.

• Best Editing: Gawad Urian Awards (Philippines).

• Best Supporting Actor: Gawad Urian Awards (Philippines) - likely for Ronnie Lazaro.

• Narrative Feature Prize: Balinale (Bali International Film Festival) 2024.

Critics Reception: "The Gospel of the Beast" has received generally positive critical reception, particularly for its unflinching portrayal of its dark themes and strong performances.

• The Hollywood Reporter: Praised it as "Tough and tender," highlighting its compelling narrative and emotional depth.

• Screen Daily: Acknowledged its selection for the Tokyo International Film Festival competition, noting Dayoc's return to feature filmmaking after seven years and the film's compelling premise.

• MSP Film Society: Described it as a "revelation to Western Visayan Cinema," emphasizing its "North American Premiere" and its exploration of a teenager's descent into a life of violence under his uncle's tutelage. They noted its "Fiction Feature" type and "Coming-of-Age, Crime, Drama" tags.

• Overall Summary: Critics commend the film for its raw emotional power, compelling lead performances, and its ability to tackle grim realities with a nuanced approach, solidifying Dayoc's reputation as a significant voice in Filipino cinema.

Reviews: Reviews emphasize the film's impact and the quality of its craft:

• MUBI: Highlights the film's synopsis as a compelling exploration of Mateo's dark journey and his unique relationship with Berto.

• MSP Film: Details Mateo's background, including his father's disappearance and working in a slaughterhouse, which adds context to his desperate turn to his uncle. It explicitly mentions Berto schooling Mateo in "drug dealing, extortion, robbery and, eventually murder," setting the grim tone.

• IMDb user reviews: Generally positive, with many praising the film's gritty realism, the powerful performances of Jansen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro, and its bold exploration of human nature's darker side. Some describe it as a "masterpiece" or "powerful" and "disturbing" in its portrayal of violence and redemption.

• Overall Summary: Reviewers consistently point to the film's unflinching narrative, the strong chemistry between the leads, and its success in portraying a dark coming-of-age story rooted in social realities.

Production: "The Gospel of the Beast (2023)" is a Filipino drama with a runtime of 85 minutes. It is presented in color and primarily in Filipino (Hiligaynon language). The film was directed by Sheron R. Dayoc and co-written by Dayoc and Jericho Aguado. Produced by Dayoc, Sonny Calvento, and Arden Rod Condez, with executive producers Bridget Ting, Kelvin Ting, and Sheron Dayoc. The film received support from the International Co-Production Fund (ICOF) of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and was selected for the 2021 Full Circle Lab Philippines and the 2017 Asian Project Market in Busan, indicating a significant development process.

Main Cast:

• Jansen Magpusao as Mateo

• Ronnie Lazaro as Berto

• John Renz Javier as Gudo

• Kyle Fermindoza

• Nathan Sotto

Production Companies:

• Southern Lantern Studios

• E&W Films

Sales Companies:

• Diversion: (Thailand-based sales agent) handles international sales rights (excluding the Philippines and Singapore).

Distribution Companies: Specific theatrical distributors for various territories are being handled by Diversion. It opened Cinemalaya 2024, a major Philippine film festival, signaling its domestic importance.

Why You Should Watch This Movie:

• For a Gripping Coming-of-Age Story with a Dark Twist: This film offers a unique and unsettling exploration of adolescence, forced into a violent criminal underworld, and the profound changes it brings to a young soul.

• To Experience Sheron R. Dayoc's Masterful Direction: Dayoc is a celebrated Filipino filmmaker known for his powerful storytelling and unflinching realism. "The Gospel of the Beast" showcases his signature style, creating a deeply immersive and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

• Witness Powerful Performances: Jansen Magpusao delivers a compelling portrayal of Mateo's complex transformation, while veteran Ronnie Lazaro brings a chilling yet captivating presence as Berto, creating a fascinating and disturbing dynamic.

• Engage with Timely Social Commentary: The film subtly critiques the underlying societal issues that can push individuals into a life of crime, offering a raw glimpse into realities often unseen by mainstream audiences.

• A Critically Acclaimed Festival Darling: With its premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival and multiple awards, including the Golden Star at HIFF, "The Gospel of the Beast" is recognized for its artistic merit and compelling narrative, making it a significant work in contemporary Asian cinema.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If you appreciate gritty, realistic dramas: The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of its setting.

• To see powerful acting from its lead duo: Jansen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro deliver memorable performances.

• For unique international cinema: It offers a distinctive voice and perspective from the Philippines.

• If you're drawn to complex moral dilemmas: The film explores the nuances of choices made under duress.

• To experience a film that blends the personal with the societal: Mateo's individual journey reflects broader social issues.

What Movie Trend Film Is Following: Gritty Social Realism & Coming-of-Age Dramas: The film aligns with a global trend of cinema that delves into the harsh realities of marginalized communities, often featuring young protagonists facing difficult moral choices. It also follows the trend of Asian cinema gaining international recognition for its unique narratives and strong artistic voices.

What Big Social Trend Is Following: The film taps into discussions around youth vulnerability and exposure to violence, particularly in socio-economically challenged environments. It also implicitly touches on the pervasiveness of crime and the breakdown of traditional family structures in certain contexts, forcing individuals to seek unlikely forms of protection and belonging.

Final Verdict: "The Gospel of the Beast (2023)" is a profoundly impactful and artistically significant film from Sheron R. Dayoc. It is a challenging yet essential watch, offering a stark and deeply human portrayal of a young man's forced descent into a brutal world. Bolstered by compelling performances, particularly from its lead actors, and Dayoc's unflinching directorial vision, the film effectively combines a personal coming-of-age story with a broader commentary on violence and survival. Its strong reception on the international festival circuit confirms its status as a vital piece of contemporary Filipino cinema, urging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Embrace Difficult Subjects with Nuance: Don't shy away from grim or controversial topics, but explore them with depth, focusing on the human element and avoiding sensationalism.

• Prioritize Authentic Character Development: Invest in creating complex characters whose transformations, however dark, feel earned and believable, drawing the audience into their psychological journey.

• Leverage Local Specificity: Use the unique cultural, social, and economic realities of your setting to enrich the narrative and provide a distinct voice to universal themes.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Socially Conscious Cinema: Continue to fund and distribute films that courageously tackle uncomfortable but important social issues, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.

• Champion Emerging and Established Asian Directors: Recognize the growing strength and artistic merit of filmmakers from Southeast Asia and other regions, ensuring their work gains international exposure.

• Promote Festival-Acclaimed Films: Utilize the prestige and buzz generated by major film festivals to help independent and international films reach wider audiences through targeted distribution and marketing.