Director Marius Talampas, known for the hit ‘Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap’, collaborates with the late Sherwin Buenvenida to deliver ‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’, a film that walks the fine line between irreverent comedy and social commentary.
Tackling religion and morality—a rarity in Philippine cinema due to the country’s deep-rooted religiosity—the movie is both absurdly funny and sobering, offering moments of laughter and introspection.
Jerald Napoles stars as Josh, a loan executive whose life spirals out of control despite his devout adherence to the Ten Commandments. A series of misfortunes—including a looming financial crisis, a troubled relationship, and his mother’s declining health—push him to question his faith. In a fit of rebellion, Josh decides to break each commandment, hoping to understand why his good deeds have seemingly gone unrewarded.
The premise sets the stage for a journey filled with ironic humor and existential reflection. The film is unafraid to question societal norms about religion and morality but stops short of being too provocative, perhaps to avoid censorship or backlash from religious institutions.
The humor in ‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ varies from witty dialogue to slapstick and visual gags. Even with minimal effort, Jerald Napoles manages to draw laughs through his character’s absurd reactions to his dire circumstances. James Caraan, with his deadpan style, is another standout, effortlessly delivering lines that keep the audience chuckling.
However, not all comedic attempts land smoothly. The film struggles at times to maintain its momentum, with some punchlines falling flat due to restrained direction. Despite these missteps, the movie remains entertaining, particularly for fans familiar with Pepe Herrera’s viral comedy skits and the humor of The KoolPals podcast.
The dynamic between Josh and Satan (played by Herrera) holds promise but lacks depth. Their exchanges feel underwhelming and could have been expanded to explore the film’s themes more thoroughly. Meanwhile, Ryan Rems’ brief but memorable appearance adds shock value and an odd charm to the film’s surreal moments.
Jerald Napoles gives a solid, if uneven, performance. His portrayal of Josh is most effective in scenes where frustration and hopelessness boil over, though there are moments when his emotional delivery feels muted. Supporting actors like Albie Casiño, GB Labrador, and Blucher Abang provide comic relief but fail to leave a lasting impact.
Veteran actress Irma Adlawan brings gravitas to her role as Josh’s mother, managing to touch hearts in her brief screen time. However, Pepe Herrera as Satan feels underutilized, missing opportunities to fully embody his character’s devilish charisma.
While the film raises questions about faith, morality, and human resilience, it doesn’t delve deep enough into these topics. The Ten Commandments, central to the story, serve more as a plot device than a fully developed narrative arc. The film’s caution in addressing religious issues may disappoint viewers hoping for a more daring critique.
That said, ‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ still succeeds in holding up a mirror to the contradictions of modern society. It juxtaposes serious issues with nonchalant humor, creating a dissonance that mirrors the absurdities of real life.
The film benefits from thoughtful cinematography, with artistic camera angles that enhance key scenes. However, the direction occasionally falters, failing to maximize both comedic and dramatic moments. Pacing issues arise as the story slows in the middle, and some scenes lack the emotional weight needed to fully engage the audience.
‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ is a bold attempt to disrupt the norms of Philippine cinema by blending dark comedy with social commentary. While not all elements work seamlessly, the film offers a unique perspective on faith, morality, and the struggles of modern life. It’s a refreshing entry in the local comedy scene, standing out for its willingness to ask difficult questions—even if it doesn’t always provide satisfying answers.
Whether you’re looking for laughter or reflection, ‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ is worth watching, if only to appreciate its ambition and the new ground it treads in local storytelling.
LionhearTV‘s verdict: An intriguing blend of humor and introspection that’s both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
