Creating a solid mystery thriller is almost a lost art. Finding a good one is rare nowadays but it’s easier when you step away from the mainstream fare. This film in particular might be a remake of another movie, but that is irrelevant. It’s really well crafted in style, passion, mystery and more than a few twists. Don’t try to guess them, it’s more fun that way.
Perdida was directed by Jorge Michel Grau and written by Anton Goenechea. It is a remake of The Hidden Face (2011) which I hope you haven’t seen so have less of an idea of what’s going on. I didn’t see the original so I’m not going to draw comparisons. It is a well orchestrated production of its own. Also, for Spanish speakers there’s always some extra tidbits lost in translation (the insults are usually better).
Eric (José María de Tavira) is a music conductor for the Mexican philharmonic. His wife Carolina (Paulina Dávila) has abandoned him leaving only a cryptic video behind. One night he goes out drinking and meets Fabiana (Cristina Rodlo). Eventually they go back to the huge house Eric and Carolina used to share. As the police investigates Carolina’s disappearance, Fabiana starts to think there might be something wrong with the house.
The set piece in the center of this chess game is the house itself. The views of it are gorgeous. It is only once we learn the story of the house and the story of Carolina is when we start discovering new layers of deceit within the story. It’s not completely flawless. Once the first twist happens, most experienced sleuths won’t have a lot of trouble figuring out the second.
Recommended for fans of thrillers and twists. There’s not much I can say without giving it away. The production is gorgeous and the performances are more than adequate. The characters can be considered morally reprehensible for their decisions, but making it out alive should be considered a win. Before you start judging anybody, you should take a long look in the mirror.
That will do for now.
Never Think Impossible 