‘Crosspoint’ Netflix Movie Review - An Unlikely Intersection of Struggles, Dreams, and Desperation

Crosspoint is a gripping, slow-burn thriller that skillfully intertwines the lives of two men — Manuel Hidalgo (Carlo Aquino), a washed-up Filipino actor grappling with fading fame and mounting debts, and Shigeru Yamaguchi (Takehiro Hira), a Japanese businessman on the brink of personal and professional collapse. At first glance, their worlds couldn’t be more different. Yet, fate — or perhaps sheer desperation — brings them together in a foreign land where both are struggling to find redemption.

Directed by Donie Orlandes, a Filipino filmmaker who has spent most of his adult life in Tokyo, Crosspoint offers a fresh and unflinching look at the immigrant experience in Japan. Unlike typical Filipino films shot abroad that often showcase the glamorous side of foreign cities, Crosspoint pulls the curtain back on the grim realities that migrant workers face — capturing the shadows behind the neon lights. Orlandes' personal connection to Japan lends the film a deeply authentic texture, reflecting the unspoken hardships, isolation, and moral compromises that often accompany life as an undocumented worker.

Carlo Aquino delivers a raw and vulnerable performance as Manuel, a former '90s heartthrob in the Philippines who is now reduced to taking any gig he can find to support his pregnant wife back home. The parallels between Aquino's real-life career—with its own highs and lows—and Manuel’s story give the character a palpable sense of realism. Aquino himself has admitted, "In a way, I am Manuel Hidalgo," adding emotional weight to the role.

The film shines in its refusal to glamorize Manuel’s journey in Japan. Instead of wide shots of cherry blossoms or Tokyo Tower, Orlandes takes viewers to the underbelly of Japanese nightlife — smoky, seedy host bars, cramped apartments, and dimly lit alleys — where Manuel is forced to work illegally on a tourist visa. The world-building feels immersive and lived-in, portraying the struggle to survive in a city that doesn't quite welcome you.

Takehiro Hira, as Shigeru, is equally compelling. His portrayal of a businessman drowning in debt, trying to manage a rebellious daughter (played by Kei Kurosawa) while holding together the remnants of his crumbling life, brings depth and empathy to a man society might otherwise judge.

The turning point — the “crosspoint” — comes when Manuel and Shigeru, both desperate, hatch a dangerous plan to capture Tatsuya Aso (played menacingly by Sho Ikushima), a wanted serial killer with a massive bounty on his head. The film pivots from a somber drama into a tense thriller, especially in scenes where Manuel unwittingly crosses paths with Tatsuya earlier in the day — a seemingly casual encounter that spirals into life-and-death stakes.

Though marketed as an action-packed thriller, Crosspoint leans more into a character-driven narrative. The first half methodically builds up the characters' personal struggles, showing their human side before diving into the chaos. While some viewers might expect more immediate action, the film’s pacing allows for a richer exploration of motivations. When action sequences finally arrive — like a gritty chase scene through the labyrinthine streets of Akihabara — they feel earned, not gratuitous.

In a sea of action thrillers, Crosspoint stands out for its emotional depth and authenticity. It’s a story of broken dreams and fragile hope — one that resonates long after the credits roll.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times