7 Reasons Why You Should Watch “Trese” on Netflix

If you’ve been active on social media these past few days, you’ve probably heard about Trese. For fans of the cult classic komik it’s based on, this Netflix adaptation has been a dream come true. But for those who aren’t familiar with the source material, you may not understand what the hype is all about.

Trese follows the adventures and investigations of a female detective named Alexandra Trese who acts the bridge between the human world and the Underworld. The Philippines has a wealth of gods and goddesses, mythological creatures, supernatural entities, urban legends, and various other fantastical stories. Trese incorporates all of these into a vivid, fully realized world that will feel both new and familiar for Filipino viewers.

Still on the fence about whether or not you should check out this show? No worries. I’m here to list down 7 reasons why Trese is worth the watch.

So, sit down, grab some popcorn, and let’s start the countdown!

#1: Accurate representation of filipino culturE FOR GLOBAL AUDIENCES

As much as we Filipinos enjoy being consumers of global entertainment, we, whether consciously or not, still long for stories that are closer to home. This is why we feel so excited when foreign media incorporate Filipino actors, characters, or settings into their plot points.

Did you feel giddy when Lars from Steven Universe baked an ube roll? What was your reaction when you spotted the famous “Walking Street” in the anime Charlotte? How pumped were you to find a Filipina pilot in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?

Although I love seeing bits and pieces of Filipino culture scattered around the global entertainment industry, what I truly long for is a show that’s uniquely ours. Why wait for crumbs when we can bake our own pie?

Enter Trese.

Trese is the first Filipino anime and the first Southeast Asian anime on Netflix. Having seen the show, I can definitely say that it is a wonderful representation of Filipino culture. Watch it, and you’re bound to find little things to relate to, whether it’s the way characters use their lips to point out directions or how it depicts that ever-so-routine breakdown of the MRT.

#2: BEAUTIFUL VISUAL STORYTELLING

One of my favorite things about Trese is the visuals. The show has an anime-inspired look that still feels true to the designs in the original source material.

I’m no animator (and I have zero artistic bones in my body), so I can’t quite tell you exactly what I love about the animation of the show. But I will say that I love everything, from the character designs to the backdrops to the action scenes.

Unlike other shows I binge-watch on Netflix, I opted to watch the opening and closing credits of this one every episode. The look and feel of it all was just that mesmerizing.

#3: METRO MANILA IS A CHARACTER IN AND OF ITSELF

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a show, whether local or foreign, so accurately and beautifully depict what it’s like to live in Metro Manila. Foreign shows or movies seem to focus on the dirtier, grimier parts of Manila, while local entertainment tends to give the city an overly sanitized look.

Trese manages to find a healthy middle ground between the two extremes, showing the corruption and darkness alongside the light and beauty.

It’s a marvel to see familiar sights and sounds that I see everyday in animated form. The little things we take for granted are rendered magnificently, helping us see the fantasy and mystery in the mundane.

#4: ASWANGS GALORE!

If you’re a horror fan or are interested in supernatural stories, you’re bound to love Trese. There are so many creepy (in the best way) creatures to keep your imagination running wild.

We have our resident nuno who has relocated from his punso and now lives in a manhole. A clan of aswangs who run the criminal underbelly of the city. A tikbalang who loves street racing. A tiyanak who just wants to go home to mommy. And much, much more!

#5: DEPICTION OF RELEVANT SOCIAL ISSUES

Despite being a fantastical story, Trese doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of humanity and specific issues relevant to our country. Corrupt politicians, police brutality, poverty, human trafficking, EJKs–these are just some of the issues tackled in the show.

Admittedly, we don’t get in-depth coverage on all of these. It’s still primarily a show meant for entertainment rather than education, after all. Still, you’ll really feel the cathartic relief whenever justice gets served.

#6: FAMILIAR FACES VOICES

I know many were hyped for the voice cast of the Filipino and English dubs. And it does feel wonderful to hear all of these familiar voices. Having an all-Filipino (or at least Filipino-descended) cast was a nice touch.

Not just Liza Soberano (who I thought did her best but admittedly felt as though she struggled with speaking full Tagalog), but people like Dante Basco (Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender), Deedee Magno-Hall (Pearl from Steven Universe), Manny Jacinto (Jason from The Good Place), Nicole Scherzinger (of Pussycat Dolls fame), and so much more.

I watched both the Filipino and English dub, and I think either version works. I may prefer the Filipino dub, though, just because the Tagalog spells and phrases and curses sound more natural. (And I honestly question why the English dub made the Fil-Am/Fil-Canadian actors do a Faux-Filipino accent that sounded slightly more Mexican to my ears.)

#7: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA OF FILIPINO ANIMATION

The biggest reason to watch Trese is this: By supporting this series, you are voting with your wallet. Showing the global entertainment industry that there is a lucrative market for animated movies and shows made by and for Filipinos.

Filipinos have so many wonderful and imaginative stories to tell, and Trese could be the start of a new era for our local entertainment industry.

Imagine a world where kids wake up on Saturday mornings, excited to watch Filipino cartoons. I love Western shows and anime and K-dramas as much as the next person. But wouldn’t it be great to have more diverse Filipino media? Family shows, adult-oriented animation, mystery-thrillers, funny cartoons.

The possibilities are endless. And now is a great time to show the entertainment industry that, yes, taking risks and trying out new stories (instead of the tried-and-true formulas again and again) is worth the investment.

Sound good to you? Go watch Trese on Netflix now!