Manila in 2034. A catastrophic volcanic eruption occurred on Celebes three years prior, and Southeast Asia has fallen into permanent darkness. Nirvano Navarro who claims that he has received divine power from God is an infantilistic and schizophrenic dictator, and the sky is constantly filled with tens of thousands of surveillance drones trying to hunt down traitors. Soldiers are everywhere, recklessly killing civilians. Millions of people have already lost their lives to a contagious disease called the “dark killer,” and Southeast Asia is in complete ruins.
The Halt is a minimalist sci-fi film about the people living in a dystopia ruled by darkness. This cynical film is reflective of reality, and the crazy despot Navarro is easily reminiscent of certain leaders, not just for the people of the Philippines but for the people of all countries who have experienced military regimes, dictatorships, or leaders who were madmen. In this sense, The Halt is an allegory for the universal age. This black-and-white film is four hours long, but Lav DIAZ’s fans may be surprised by the relatively short running time. (PARK Sun Young)