Finde

Nano Garay Santalo's 2021 Argentine film opens with a couple, worn down by confinement in their flat during the pandemic, deciding to spend a weekend in the countryside. The owners of the villa they rent offer to look after them as though they were in a five-star hotel, and behind that offer is another intention. From there the film turns into a thriller. It was plainly made during the pandemic and under its conditions; the small cast and single location follow from that. Malena Pichot's background in comedy balances the tension of the first half with humour. The narrative weakness is moving into the genre template without closing the door it opened onto class; the relationship between hosts and guests could have been worked further. Who it's for: viewers interested in Latin American genre cinema and films made during the pandemic. Who it's not for: anyone wanting an original thriller structure, or unprepared for the violence turning suddenly harsh.