The forces of instinct and reason do battle in this masterful noirish thriller realised with breathtaking virtuosity by debut feature director Jorge Sánchez-Cabezudo.
In a remote town in rural Spain the discovery of a cave looks to have wide implications for the local community. Esteban (Carmelo Gómez from Julio Medem’s Cows) a Speleologist, is called in to survey the cave, working with a local photographer with potholing experience, Pedro (Mariano Alameda), to assess the scientific importance of the discovery. Then Esteban’s girlfriend Gabi (Judith Diakhate) is assaulted and the process of revenge brings far-reaching consequences for all three…
Sánchez-Cabezudo expertly succeeds in creating a palpable sense of menace across the film’s six chapters, each realised from the point of view of one of the film’s multiple protagonists. The different narrative strands are beautifully inter-cut to create an ominous sense of suspense. But this is no exercise in style over substance. ANGOSTO asks profound questions around the moral choices we execute in times of crisis. Featuring a range of outstanding performances, this is a tantalising reflection on violence, vengeance and the problems of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Thriller, Spain/Portugal/France 2006, 123min. (18+)
By: Jorge Sanchez Cabezudo
With: Carmelo Gómez, Judith Diakhate, Celso Bugallo and Manuel Morón
2007 CEC award for best actor and best new artist.
Nominated for best new actor, best new director and best screenplay, 2007 Goya awards.
2007 award male performance in a minor role, Spanish actors union.