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.

I had the good fortune of staying at the hotel where the director premiered the film. I had no plans on watching a movie that night but really glad I saw it. The character development was excellent and the plot riveting. The on location filming in the Philippines created a gritty realness that couldn't have been achieved anywhere else. Great movie for the cynical and world weary. I highly recommend it.

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.

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.