Panama makes its debut on the International Feature Oscar shortlist with the character-driven thriller Plaza Catedral. This contender from Abner Benaim (Ruben Blades Is Not My Name) is a taut two-h…
Alicia is a well-heeled Mexican architect working in Panama, who moves into a swish new apartment in Plaza Catedral. A young teen known as “Chief” offers her “VIP parking” and she haggles wearily, assuring him she’s no “gringa.” Over the coming days, they develop a grudging understanding. When he shows up on the stairs of her building bleeding from a gunshot wound, she has a choice.
It’s a palpable moral dilemma in a city where crime is around every corner, and trust is hard-earned. “The younger they are, the more dangerous they are,” warns Alicia’s doctor friend, and this thought plays on her mind as she becomes increasingly comfortable in Chief’s company. Matthew Herbert’s effective score both reflects Alicia’s feelings and occasionally misdirects, inviting a mixture of suspicion, nerves and hope. As Alicia remembers her tragic past, the mood leans more towards drama. When she finally opens up about it, it’s one of the film’s most powerful scenes.is an unusual mix of grief drama and culture-clash thriller, but there’s a veracity and thoughtfulness that elevates it above potentially sensationalist material.
Salas puts in a compelling performance, while De Casta flits between cocky threat and ambiguous charm with a tender touch. Like many International Feature contenders,highlights problems in the country it’s depicting. But this depiction of gang violence comes with a heartbreaking real-life postscript: Fernando Xavier De Casta was shot dead shortly after production ended.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Faya Dayi,’ ‘Writing With Fire’ Among Oscar Documentary Hopefuls That Tell International StoriesThe documentary race expands far beyond our country's borders, examining the daily lives and struggles of people whose stories are often untold.
Read more »
Oscar buzz about Kirsten Dunst in 'The Power of the Dog'This year's Oscar nominations are announced on February 8, and Kirsten Dunst is looking for her first Academy Award recognition after a long career that began as a child growing up in New Jersey.
Read more »
Oscar Rosales arrested: Suspect in Houston murder of Pct. 5 corporal has bond deniedOscar Rosales, the suspect facing a capital murder charge in the deadly Houston shooting of Harris County Pct. 5 Constable’s Office Corporal Charles Galloway, has been arrested in Mexico, authorities confirm.
Read more »
Oscar Mayer’s New Bologna Face Mask Was More Depressing Than Moisturizing'This is what I get for relying on a lunchmeat brand for a self-care moment' — Eater writer aemccarthy
Read more »
Yup’ik Artist Golga Oscar Is Carrying Forward Indigenous Traditions Through StyleHow this Yup'ik artist uses style as an opportunity to proudly champion his cultural heritage.
Read more »
Cate Blanchett and Leonardo DiCaprio Near Oscar Records for Roles in Best Picture NomineesThe best picture prize is what every studio and filmmaker covets, whether they publicly admit it or not. But, of course, it would help if you had the star power to make it happen. Oscar winners Leo…
Read more »