Motherland focuses on the survival story of Dao-ayen, a member of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) from the Ifugao tribe in northern Luzon. He is called to the southernmost part of the Philippines for a special operation authorized by the president, leaving behind his pregnant wife and elderly mother. The mission is to eliminate Marwan, a terrorist and bomb maker. This dangerous operation, which has been postponed or canceled multiple times for various reasons, seems to proceed smoothly with his team as they navigate the darkness in an unfamiliar land. However, during their return, they find themselves surrounded by hundreds of enemy forces. Based on the true events of the 2015 Mamasapano clash, which resulted in numerous casualties, the film raises questions about the nature of nation and heroism. (PARK Sungho)