Tirik follows Paring Bert, a
weary but steadfast priest, and Santos, a parishioner and taxi driver
haunted by his past, as they embark on a gritty journey to make peace
with their moral conflicts while trying to elude an assassination
attempt. Set against the backdrop of Manila’s unforgiving streets during
the height of the drug war, what begins as an ordinary funeral visit
turns into a day-long odyssey filled with guilt, redemption, moral
reckoning, and questions about faith, justice, and vengeance.
This
entry is a big surprise for me! I honestly did not expect where the
story was going, and I really enjoyed how the film slowly unfolded. What
I appreciated most is how Tirik starts as a seemingly simple road movie
between two very different characters, but as their journey progresses,
it reveals deeper layers about their lives, choices, and moral
conflicts.
A huge part of what makes the film work is the
chemistry between Rocco Nacino and Floyd Tena. Their banter and jokes
feel so natural, and their dynamic gives the film a certain lightness
despite the heavier themes surrounding their journey. There is an
effortless chemistry between them that makes their interactions
enjoyable and believable.
Special appreciation goes to Rocco
Nacino for his performance here. His delivery is excellent, especially
during the comedic moments. He really knows how to land his lines
without making them feel forced. At the same time, he was very immersive
in his role as a priest, particularly when the character becomes more
reflective and emotionally conflicted.
Floyd Tena, meanwhile, is
equally impressive. He shows an incredible range, moving naturally from
comedy to drama, and there was never a moment when his performance felt
out of place. He brings so much personality to Santos while also showing
the character’s more vulnerable and complicated side. Together, Rocco
and Floyd give the film its heart and make this unusual journey engaging
to watch.
I also love how the film uses their road trip as a way
to explore the exchange of ideas between two polarizing characters.
Their conversations about life, choices, faith, and morality become more
meaningful as we learn more about their individual histories. Beneath
their banter are characters carrying their own guilt, regrets, and
questions about what it means to do the right thing.
Then comes
the ending, which gives the film an unexpected punch. But more than the
twist itself, what I appreciated is the deeper meaning behind the story,
particularly its commentary on extrajudicial killings and the message
it wants to leave about our society. Tirik does not simply use the drug
war as a backdrop; it uses it to raise difficult questions about
justice, vengeance, conscience, and the value of human life.
Overall, Tirik is something
different from what I expected to see at Cinemalaya this year. It
surprised me with its humor, strong performances, unexpected turns, and,
most importantly, the deeper message underneath its simple road-trip
setup. It may not be a perfect film for me, but it definitely gave me
something to think about after watching it.
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