Not Forgotten

Not Forgotten from 2009 is a thriller movie that is a combination of mystery, suspense, and culturally infused crime. It stars Simon Baker, recognized for his role in "The Mentalist," Paz Vega, acclaimed for her breakout role in "Spanglish," and Michael DeLorenzo, best known for his part in "New York Undercover."

The film is set in the border town of Del Rio, Texas, where life is calm, routine, and seemingly uneventful. Jack Bishop (played by Simon Baker), lives a serene life with his wife, Amaya (played by Paz Vega), and his young daughter, Toby. Jack works as a banking software manager, and he seems to have made a seemingly pleasant new life for his small family, despite his troubled past.

However, this picturesque tranquility is shattered when Toby mysteriously disappears from her soccer practice, triggering an intense and harrowing search. As Bishop's hidden history begins unwinding due to his daughter's disappearance, the narrative becomes a suspenseful web that involves Mexican witchcraft culture, an infamous criminal from Jack's obscure past, and the FBI.

Simon Baker delivers a convincing performance as Jack Bishop, a smart yet tormented man forced to confront his secretive history as he desperately searches for his missing daughter. Despite his complex personality, Simon Baker's reliable onscreen presence and inherent likability inspire empathy and rooting interest for his character.

Paz Vega shows her talent as she steps into the role of Amaya, Jack's deeply religious wife who also harbors a mysterious history. Despite the turbulence of their backgrounds and the surprising turns of their relationship, Vega and Baker create a convincing relationship, highlighting the strong bond and shared secrets that have both united and separated them.

Michael DeLorenzo plays a detective caught in the midst of this obscure case. He navigates the turbulent rivers of crime, secrets and mysticism in an attempt to solve the mystery and bring peace to the traumatized family, as well as the whole of Del Rio town itself.

It's noteworthy to mention the prominent role the film places on the cultural aspect. Mexican veneration and superstition are very effectively used in the narrative, supplying a legitimate and absorbing context in which the action unfurls. The movie presents an insightful exploration of the 'Santa Muerte' cult, a folk religion veiled in mystique and controversy. The spellbinding myths and rituals, coupled with the suggestive power of witchcraft and supernatural elements, create a rich storytelling backdrop fostering unique paranoia and fear that drive the plot forward.

The cinematography is another fundamental strength of the film. With the arid borderlands offering a stark and mesmerizing landscape, the visuals capture the brutal and eerie aesthetics of the region. The use of light and shadows instills an uncanniness that resonates with the film's narrative tone, creating an ambiance of suspense and dread that compliments the storyline.

Not Forgotten takes its audiences on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the story unfolds. It wades through a multitude of themes ranging from love, faith, and family to fear, crime, and secrets. Director Dror Soref uses the script, penned down by himself and Tomás Romero, to skillfully navigate multiple storylines while maintaining suspense, intrigue, and emotional intensity.

The film skillfully interweaves elements from various genres such as thriller, mystery, and crime. It builds on the family drama to delve into its characters' anguish and fears, while suspense and crime work as the solid framework, making it an engaging watch. Although it contains some violent and mature content, its handling of such themes is tactfully done, adding to the suspense and mystery without overwhelming the story.

In conclusion, Not Forgotten is a gripping drama that successfully balances suspense, crime, and mystery. Enriched by commanding performances from Simon Baker, Paz Vega, and Michael DeLorenzo, the film is a captivating examination of a man's desperate quest to reclaim his kidnapped daughter. Despite its dark and gritty themes, the narrative's heart remains the love and protective instincts of a parent, making it a thrilling, intense, and emotionally charged movie.