Topakk is an unrelenting assault on the senses.
Directed with unflinching intensity, it delivers visceral action sequences that keep the audience on edge.
The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival movie from director Richard Somes tells the story of three unfortunate beings caught in a night of violence.
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There’s Arjo Atayde’s Miguel, a former soldier who works as a security guard while dealing with intense post-traumatic stress disorder.
Then there’s Weng, played by Julia Montes—a drug pusher on the run from police forces that are determined to eliminate her.
Lastly, there’s Sid Lucero’s Romero, a police officer who needs to defeat both Miguel and Weng to save his wife and daughter’s lives.
When the three get trapped in a warehouse, they have to use all their strength to fight and survive the night.
julia, sid, and arjo: A STRONG TRIO
Among the three actors, Julia stands out the most.
Her transformation from a vulnerable victim to a fierce and formidable fighter showcases her ability to tackle both the emotional depth and physical intensity of the role.
Julia proves she’s a force to be reckoned with, and this performance could very well pave the way for more action-packed roles in her future.
Sid’s Romero, surprisingly, becomes the most rootable character.
Sure, he’s presented as a villain, but his clear goal and motivation to save his family from danger makes him relatable.
It’s understandable why Romero can go great lengths to inflict pain on the movie’s heroes.
Arjo brings grit and depth to his portrayal of a hardened, trauma-filled character.
While his intense performance complements the film’s tone, his role occasionally feels one-dimensional compared to the others.
He comes across as an emotionless killing machine—almost like a robot programmed for destruction.
A deeper emotional connection with Weng could have added more layers to his character, helping the audience understand his motivation to aid her in taking down her pursuers.
Nevertheless, Atayde delivers plenty of tension and suspense, rounding out the trio with a strong and compelling performance.
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topakk: BOLD WITH A FEW HICCUPS
Aside from strong acting performances, Topakk also delivers an immersive experience that is both haunting and exhilarating.
It excels in creating a suffocating atmosphere, through a chaotic set design and remarkable sound engineering.
The action scenes are well-lighted and well-choreographed, so it’s easy to enjoy them.
It’s also remarkable that Direk Richard does not shy away from showing blood and gore, forcing the audience to experience the film’s brutality.
The overuse of the shaky cam technique, however, detracts from the viewing experience. Key moments that could have benefited from steadier cinematography lose their impact amid the visual clutter.
The middle act also feels somewhat lackluster.
While the film’s relentless pace and claustrophobic setting create tension early on, they begin to lose their edge as the story progresses.
The lack of variety in both location and tone further amplifies a sense of monotony, making the latter half feel repetitive.
This could have been improved by introducing a new setting or showcasing a different section of the same warehouse with a distinct aesthetic.
This monotony is broken in the film’s gripping final act, when the characters finally escape the warehouse and fight outside under heavy rain.
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WHY TOPAKK IS A MUST-SEE MOVIE?
It’s a brilliant setting, one that recalls remarkable fight scenes from classic films, such as The Matrix and Zatoichi.
Topakk’s version is a visual feast, and kudos must be given to Direk Richard and the cast and crew for pulling it off so well.
Despite its flaws, Topakk is a gripping and brutal thriller that showcases the immense talent of its cast and the daring vision of its director.
Arjo, Julia, and Sid deliver performances that elevate the film to new heights, while the relentless pacing and shocking finale ensure it stays with you long after the credits roll.
Topakk premieres on December 25, along with other entries in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.
It also stars Kokoy de Santos, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto and Bernard Palanca. Enchong Dee has a special participation.
Topakk can be seen in both R-16 and R-18.
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