The cost of compromise

At first glance, "Salvageland" seems to promise the usual: Gunfire, chases, brute tension.

- By NEIL RAMOS

RICHARD Gomez, Mon Confiado, Elijah Canlas in 'SalvageLand'

For sure, these were all present. Then again, it offers more.

Beneath the grit and explosions lies a film with something far more unsettling to say about the state of the nation and the choices people make when wrongdoing becomes inconvenient to confront.

Directed by Lino Cayetano, "Salvageland" is anchored on strong performances across the board.

Richard Gomez delivers a measured, subdued turn as a weary policeman and devoted father whose moral compass has been dulled by years of compromise. It's a restrained performance that proves less really is more.