I’m not one to talk about politics, social injustice, and legal issues. Maybe because being fully aware of the sensitivity that these topics come with, I get really scared that I might say the wrong things. Let’s face it, the world we’re living in is filled with hawk eyes ready to take a screenshot of every wrong move or word you say that doesn’t align with their beliefs. I don’t like this toxicity, so I try really hard to carefully choose which side of me I’d like people to see. Part of me feels that I should be embarrassed for taking freedom of speech for granted; but on the other hand, I will never apologise for wanting peace and quiet in my life.
I’m guessing those are just some of the reasons why I had to find something to subdue my repressed feelings. Lately, I’ve been into these crime and political dramas on Netflix, and I’m sharing my top recommendations below. Each one is filled with so much thought-provoking narratives that might keep you up at night — so be warned!
Also read: 8 Addicting Spanish TV Series You Should Binge-Watch on Netflix
Political dramas
Designated Survivor
Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) was sworn in (basically dragged to the White House in his sweatshirt) as the President of the United States when an act of terrorism killed the top leaders of the country. With all of his predecessors gone and as the “designated survivor,” Tom is given the responsibility to rebuild the nation and the government — but how? (I had my doubts, too!) As a low-level cabinet member, does he have what it takes to bring his country back on its feet?
Designated Survivor is one of the most popular political dramas out there, and for good reason. It’s filled with action, drama (that makes me tear up a bit), and intriguing plots that make it very much worth watching!
Bagman
Asking for favours comes with a price. Benjo Malaya (Arjo Atayde) is a typical family man who owns a barbershop (it’s also where he and his pregnant wife live) which, unfortunately, is in the way of a road-widening project. Naturally, Benjo is threatened and furious at the possibility that he might be losing his only source of income. He then goes to different government offices to make an appeal, but to his disappointment, just gets passed around. Relatable, huh?
Lucky for our lead (or not), Benjo comes across an acquaintance who works for the kapitolyo and is assured that his problem is a quick fix. And that’s when things started to become bloody; it doesn’t not take long for him to be “promoted” as the governor’s henchman. Curious about his job description? It includes blackmail, bribery, and murder!
Like with other political dramas, Bagman is filled with machinations. It left me infuriated about the utang na loob and padrino system in the Philippines.
Crime dramas
Sleepers
What happens when the system that’s supposed to protect you ends up hurting you? Four inseparable boys from Hell’s Kitchen, New York have far from perfect family lives. As young boys, they get themselves into a lot of trouble and childish pranks. Unmindful of the consequences of their actions, it only takes one instance of mischief to change their lives.
The boys are committed to the Wilkinson School for Boys, where they are physically and sexually abused by the guards. The heartbreaking scenes of these maltreatments and vileness are made even more painful with the narration of Shakes (Jason Patric). “There are no clear pictures of the sexual abuse we endured. I buried it as deep as it can possibly go,” he says, describing those events as the end of his childhood.
Years pass. Two of them become murderers, one becomes a reporter, and the other is now a district attorney — and they’re now out for revenge.
Note: The Sleepers may be uncomfortable and difficult to watch, especially to anyone who went through abuse themselves. Viewer discretion is advised.
Also read: Mental Health Resources in the Philippines — Online and Free!
The Devil All the Time
This is probably one of the most disturbing crime dramas that I’ve seen. The Devil All the Time is the story of a young man, Arvin Russell (Tom Holland), who was orphaned and cared for by his grandmother after the dark and tragic passing of his parents.
Arvin grew up with his “stepsister” Lenora (adopted by his grandparents), and was very protective of her. Tragedy ensues when Lenora (Eliza Scanlen) becomes close to and is seduced by the manipulative and shady Reverend Preston Teagarden (Robert Pattinson). Lenora gets pregnant; and knowing that this scandal would ruin his reputation, the reverend denies the baby. And because she is depressed and ashamed, Lenora tries to take her life. Although she eventually changes her mind, she still ends up dying.
The endless darkness that happens in the lives of the people in this crime drama will be a lot to process, to be honest. Its eerie narration gave off the same gothic vibes from the movie 1922, which is also a must-see!
Trial by Fire
Based on a real life story, Trial by Fire revolves around proving the wrongful imprisonment of death row inmate Cameron Todd Willingham (Jack O’Connell). Managing to get out of their house unscathed, Todd was accused of deliberately starting the fire that killed his three young daughters. The crime investigators were quick to conclude that what happened was premeditated, sending Todd to prison.
Left alone and abandoned by his wife, he develops a friendship with Elizabeth Gilbert (Laura Dern), a writer who questions the discrepancies of the case. But even after countless appeals and the effort to shed light to new evidence, Todd is still executed.
This movie will make you want to dig deep on the realities of our very own justice system. Although death penalty has been abolished in the Philippines, it’ll make you think of overpopulated cells and dying prisoners who may or may not be innocent before even having the chance to face trial. Will we be seeing change soon? I hope so.
Bambanti
Bambanti (which means “scarecrow”), focuses on the prejudice of the rich towards the impoverished. Belyn (Alessandra de Rossi) plays the role of a single mother who works as a labandera, often tagging her son along as she works for food or cash. She would do laundry for her deceased husband’s family, who in exchange would give them food and barter her services to pay off her debts to her in-laws.
The conflict begins when her niece, Cristy, loses a gold watch. Belyn’s son Popoy (Micko Laurente) is one of the last people who saw the watch, and his father’s family accuses him of stealing it. You’d think that they’d have strong proof and evidence against the little boy, right? And because they live in a small town where gossip spreads like wildfire, the news of the alleged crime is known to everyone in no time. Popoy gets into fights at school as he gets bullied really hard by his classmates, which eventually prompts him to stop studying.
Curious to know how the case progresses? Did the little boy steal the watch, or was he just used as a bambanti to protect someone? You have to see this movie on Netflix ASAP!
Also read: 15 Best Feel-Good Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now
If you’re ready for some timely, eye-opening and thought-provoking shows, you have to add these movies and series to your must-watch list. Have you seen any of these crime and political dramas on Netflix shows recently? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!
