The Expat

I was pleasantly surprised watching The Expat. The story line was good and the Filipino actors did a really great job. It was also great to see some parts of Manila that I recognized. Definitely is worth seeing.

Really enjoyed this surprisingly slick indie movie. Anyone who has lived or traveled in Southeast Asia will identify with the lead. Some funny moments in between the drama, and I didn't see the end coming at all! A must watch.

The Expat could have been a much better movie, if the producers had invested a few more dollars into a better script and a proofreader. And if they had cast a better actor to play the lead character. What a stiff.

The story revolves around Nick, an expat and former military member who is vacationing in Manila. He is suspected of murdering several women who are found dead after being with him.

I agree with the previous reviewer - the cinematography accurately depicts the chill life of traveling around SE Asia. But the plot holes do not tell of Nick's ability to leave The Philippines as he is temporarily cleared of being a suspect. Nor do they explain the presence of the other English speaking man who is following and harassing Nick. And when Nick is informed of what is really happening to him, he has zero reaction to it.

A big disappointment for a movie that could have easily been much better.

Cheap hookers, corrupt cops, trannies, police brutality, money grubbing women...etal...they're all here. The movie looks like it was made by some film students on a tight budget. Acting was extremely poor, and the script was amateurish. There was an obvious attempt to preach about the plight of local working girls and the western sex tourists. For those wanting to see skin, you won't see much. There was only one scene of naked breasts. However, you will see lots of skin of the lead character, who has a nice set of hairy man boobs. As for the reason why working girls are killed after they spend the night with the lead character, it is simply lame.

So not having watched a lot of movies of late gave this one a go with no expectations except I had a brief understanding of the plot. I was pleasantly surprised in the end. This film revolves around Nick, an American ex -marine suffering from PSTD, spending time in Philippines on a vacation. It's a relatable story for anyone who's travelled solo or spent time across South East Asia, especially living or holidaying in the less most popular tourist destinations.

The film was an accurate depiction of life in this part of the world and was something that was enjoyable to watch as it was easy to identify with Nick and how he was spending his time, meeting girls, living in budget hotels, etc - without giving a spoiler! Whilst the plot escalated, it never became something unrealistic and was always easy to watch but yes there were times the plot changed direction and was more engaging especially during the second half.

As an expat, one who's spent time in South East Asia, I loved it. Recommend it, not the type of movie you need to watch 30 mins first before it becomes interesting.