‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ Netflix Movie Review - A Darkly Funny Descent into Divine Disobedience

I recently watched Sampung Utos Kay Josh, a 2025 Filipino black comedy directed by Marius Talampas and written by the late Sherwin Buenvenida. The film stars Jerald Napoles as Josh, a man whose unwavering faith is tested by a cascade of personal disasters, prompting him to defy the very commandments he once held sacred.

The premise is both bold and intriguing. Josh, a loan executive who attributes his life's successes to strict adherence to the Ten Commandments, finds his world crumbling—his mother falls gravely ill, his career falters, and his personal life spirals. In a fit of despair, he decides to break each commandment, one by one, as an act of rebellion against a seemingly indifferent deity.

Jerald Napoles delivers a compelling performance as Josh, capturing the character's transition from devout believer to disillusioned rebel with nuance and authenticity. His portrayal is both humorous and poignant, grounding the film's more absurd moments in emotional truth.

Pepe Herrera's role as Santanas—a character embodying both Satan and Jesus—adds a layer of satirical complexity. Herrera's performance is charismatic and mischievous, providing a counterbalance to Josh's turmoil and highlighting the film's thematic exploration of faith and morality.

The film's structure, following Josh's systematic violation of each commandment, serves as a framework for a series of vignettes that blend dark humor with social commentary. From theft to adultery, each transgression is depicted with a mix of irreverence and insight, challenging the audience to reflect on the nature of sin and the human condition.

Visually, the film is vibrant and dynamic. Cinematographer Dix Buhay employs a palette that shifts from the mundane to the surreal, mirroring Josh's descent into moral ambiguity. The editing by Neil Mendoza and Alvin Chan ensures a brisk pace, maintaining engagement throughout the 104-minute runtime.

Teresa Barrozo's musical score complements the film's tone, oscillating between whimsical and somber as the narrative demands. The soundtrack enhances the emotional resonance of key scenes without overwhelming the storytelling.

However, the film is not without its shortcomings. While the concept is daring, some critics have noted that the execution occasionally falls short of its potential. Philbert Dy, for instance, remarked that the film "never takes that extra step to go into dangerous territory," suggesting a reluctance to fully embrace its provocative premise. 

Additionally, the film's moral philosophy has been critiqued for its transactional depiction of faith, implying that good deeds are performed with the expectation of divine reward. This perspective may not resonate with all viewers and could be perceived as a simplistic interpretation of complex theological concepts.

Despite these critiques, Sampung Utos Kay Josh succeeds in delivering a unique cinematic experience. Its blend of dark comedy and religious satire is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on familiar themes. The film's willingness to challenge conventional narratives about faith and morality is commendable, even if it doesn't always delve as deeply as it could.

In conclusion, Sampung Utos Kay Josh is a noteworthy addition to Philippine cinema—a film that dares to question and entertain in equal measure. While it may not fully capitalize on its provocative premise, it offers a compelling exploration of faith, disillusionment, and the human propensity for rebellion. For those seeking a film that combines humor with philosophical inquiry, this is a journey worth taking.

Final Score- [9/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times