Asesinos Inocentes

Asesinos Inocentes is a 2015 drama-thriller film from Spain directed by Gonzalo Bendala. It stars renowned Spanish actors Maxi Iglesias, Aura Garrido, and Manolo Solo. The film deals with the subject of life, death, and the choices we make that can irrevocably change our world. It was originally recorded in Spanish and thus, is mostly watched with subtitles by non-Spanish speaking audiences. No vital plot elements will be disclosed in this description to avoid spoiling your viewing experience.

The film introduces us to Francisco Garralda, played by Maxi Iglesias, a young and broke university student struggling to progress and finish his degree. He's desperate and cornered, with no end in sight for his hopeless situation. Iglesias perfectly captures the essence of a struggling student, making the audience feel connected and sympathetic towards his character as they follow him on his journey.

The film takes a dark turn when Francisco, out of desperation and a desire for financial freedom, accepts a strange yet lucrative offer from an older gentleman, played masterfully by Manolo Solo. This man, suffering from a terminal disease, proposes he offer the student a solution to his financial woes in exchange for a task. However, the more Francisco learns about his employer, the less he knows about the implications of what he's agreed to.

Aura Garrido plays Esperanza, a woman who becomes increasingly involved with Francisco and his predicament. Garrido brings elegance, subtlety, and a complexity to her character, adding another layer to the film's narrative. The chemistry between Iglesias and Garrido is palpable; their relationship evolves as the plot thickens, enriching the storyline further.

Bendala’s direction strikes a perfect balance between the serious, philosophical undertones of inevitable morality, and the suspenseful, tension-filled sequences required in a thriller. His choice of actors, both lead and supporting, excellently builds upon the uniquely tense atmosphere. He explores the depths of the human psyche, our instinctive reactions to desperate circumstances, and the moral conundrum every character faces in this suspenseful thriller.

The cinematography of Asesinos Inocentes, by Pablo Rosso, is striking. It utilizes a stark contrast between dark and light that mirrors the challenging moral decisions and secrets hiding in the shadows of the story. The settings used in the film are diverse and well-utilized, creating an absorbing juxtaposition of the everyday normality and the dark undertones of the plot.

The script, written by the director himself, is another high point of the film. It sharply invests in creating tension-filled dialogue and well-plotted suspense. It explores the characters, their motivations, and their desperation, showcasing how far people can go when presented with life-altering choices.

The supporting cast members bring immense depth to the narrative, making the story much more layered and compelling. Luis Fernandez as Inspector Chacón and Alvar Gordejuela as Gómez both provide notable performances, contributing to the tension and unforeseen twists in the storyline.

The evocative background score by Pablo Cervantes adds another layer of suspense to the film. The music, filled with tension and intensity, enhances the atmosphere and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats during the profoundly suspenseful moments.

The film is not just a thriller but also a character study of people in adverse circumstances: it examines the life-altering choices they make and the repercussions of their actions. It effectively captures the moral, ethical, and emotional struggles faced by the characters, creating a narrative that audiences can resonate with.

Asesinos Inocentes is a gripping tale of suspense, morality, and desperate choices. The plot's thought-provoking nature is bound to leave the viewer deep in thought about individual choices and their impact on life. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers with moral dilemmas at their core, this film is assuredly one to watch.