The Expat (2021) Poster

(II) (2021)

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8/10
Great Relatable Story for anyone who's spent time in South East Asia
mickmathe1 July 2022
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.
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10/10
It's a thriller in Manilla!
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.
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10/10
Very enjoyable and well acted
aidan_bishop18 July 2022
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.
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9/10
excellent movie
sjennings-0155519 July 2022
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.
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9/10
Highly Recommend
ruszebra11 January 2023
We watched this film with my wife and with some friends and we all enjoy the film. Dont forget to take your pop corns and drink before you start to watch this film. You wont pause it, it takes you in!

Powerfull storytelling. Absouletly unexpected twists and turns. Very talented characters, actors and cast. Some of us remember nice stories about our past and visits to East Asia. This film takes you to Manila for sure. Highly Recommend.. Powerfull storytelling. Absouletly unexpected twists and turns. Very talented characters, actors and cast. Some of us remember nice stories about our past and visits to East Asia..
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5/10
The Expat
BandSAboutMovies16 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A former Marine with PTSD is on vacation in the Philippines, a place of sun, romance and murder, as someone is stalking and killing each woman that he get close to, making him the lead suspect in the series of serial murders.

The first film by director Gregory Segal, the murders don't take the main focus of the movie, as part of it is a detective named Cruz (Mon Confiado) looking for the killer while the marine (Lev Gorn) moves to a smaller island and falls for Delilah (Lovely Abella), a girl who doesn't fall into his bed as easily as all the others. Cruz soon follows and together, they come up with a plan to capture the real killer.

This isn't a by the numbers murder mystery and takes great advantage of its location. It's definitely worth a watch and Segal shows great promise for just his first film.

When asked about the movie, Segal said, "Though I am quite familiar with life in the country, making a film in the Philippines as a first-time feature writer/director was my privilege. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best actors a first-time director could hope for, from both the United States and the Philippines. We tried to tell an even-handed story, seeing the world and its problems not just through an American lens, but acknowledging that viewpoint is just one way to experience the mysteries that people encounter in life. Having been able to wrap up this philosophy in a storyline that is hopefully engaging and suspenseful to people everywhere, I can only feel fortunate for having such a great international team, from my cinematographer all the way down."
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2/10
Weak script
toddg-473-28981814 December 2023
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.
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3/10
Stereotypes galore...
mlee-reclaw2 January 2024
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.
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