Film director Syafiq Yusof, renowned for his adeptness in weaving intricate plot twists, returns with his latest creation in the realm of psychological action thrillers – "Sheriff: Narko Integriti." Produced jointly by Skop Production and Astro Shaw, "Sheriff" diverges from the typical police-themed fare, offering a fresh perspective on the genre by exposing the internal corruption within law enforcement.

In contrast to the conventional police dramas associated with Skop Productions, "Sheriff" emerges from a collaborative effort between Syafiq and his father, Datuk Yusof Haslam, drawing inspiration from their past triumphs in police-centric cinema, such as "KL Special Force" and "Polis Evo 3."

Crafted with precision

The film’s narrative revolves around Nazri, brought to life by Syafiq Kyle, an officer in the Narcotics Department entangled in an escalating conflict with a drug syndicate led by Tony Ifrit, portrayed by Datuk Aaron Aziz.

Driven by frustration over Tony’s repeated evasion of justice, Nazri takes matters into his own hands, adopting the guise of the “Meth Killer” to eliminate anyone associated with the drug lord, even fellow law enforcers.

Initially confident in his ability to dismantle Tony and his syndicate single-handedly, Nazri soon finds himself navigating unforeseen complexities. His actions compel him to form an alliance with DSP Sherifuddin Hussein, embodied by Zul Ariffin, a special branch unit police officer tasked by higher authorities to investigate the “Meth Killer” case.

The storyline of the film is undeniably enthralling, keeping viewers on tenterhooks with its multitude of unexpected twists. The film’s action-packed sequences, exhilarating police chases, and Syafiq’s trademark vehicular explosions underscore the continuous evolution of the local cinematic landscape.

Lead actor and titular ambiguity

A potential drawback lies in the title of the movie, "Sheriff," which may lead audiences to believe that DSP Sherifuddin is the primary protagonist, whereas the narrative predominantly revolves around the “Meth Killer” Nazri. This could potentially confuse viewers regarding the central character.

Furthermore, Nazri's proclamation during the film's climax, advocating for the need of someone like him to combat police corruption, hints at a quasi-superheroic lead role, overlooking his vigilante status and unlawful conduct.

A more fitting title could be “Meth Killer” or something alluding to the exposure of corrupt police practices, better reflecting the thematic essence of the story. Alternatively, allocating more screen time to DSP Sherifuddin could help balance the narrative and give Zul's character the prominence he deserves. It appears that DSP Sherifuddin's character could even warrant his own standalone film or a prequel to delve into his backstory.

Innovative concept

Despite its imperfections, "Sheriff" remains a riveting viewing experience and arguably one of the standout local films of the year. Syafiq's innovative use of the reversed "whodunnit" or "howcatchem" concept injects a fresh dynamism into the narrative, showcasing his dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Particularly noteworthy is his experimentation with this novel concept, which adds to its allure for audiences.

The film has garnered widespread acclaim on social media, with critics and reviewers alike showering it with praise. Given its positive reception, it's reasonable to anticipate that "Sheriff" has the potential to rival the success of Syafiq's previous blockbuster hits.