In the Spanish regiment of directors appeared a new name Dani De La Tore. His feature-length debut thriller Stranger received as many as eight nominations for the Goya National Award. It was there that I drew attention to the film, since the main role is played by my favorite Luis Tosar, and the script for the film was written by Alberto Marini. They had already had a successful collaboration on the film “Sleepy Sleep”. The result of this joint work, I was also quite pleased. With all the camera nature of the situation and the minimum of actions, the director keeps the viewer in suspense, waiting for some way out of the difficult situation in which the main character fell. The bank manager takes the children to school and receives a call from an unknown number. Someone reports that they are sitting on a bomb, and asks to transfer a huge amount of money to a new account. Stupid prank or real blackmail? Soon the main character will have to make sure that the caller clearly does not intend to joke, so it is worth playing by his rules without improvisation.
This is a clear example of how with a wonderful acting and skillful directing, even such a typical criminal plot looks spectacular. At the scene resembles a little “Lock”, but at times more interesting. The pressure atmosphere resembled the “Phone Box” with Colin Farrell. But that's what I respect most about Spanish thrillers - for a bright and dynamic ending that leaves a taste of satisfaction. Will there be a happy ending in this story and does the protagonist deserve it? That was the main highlight of the film. The image of a successful bank manager is not revealed from the best side. At home, he acts detached, immersed in his own affairs. At work, you have to be a manipulator to pump money out of wealthy customers. Only in a critical situation, Carlos revealed himself as a loving father, trying to resolve the situation in every possible way to save the children.
This effect would not have happened without the great performance of Luis Tosar. He's charismatic enough to pull the whole movie alone, thanks to his professionalism. His emotions and gestures in the frame unconditionally believe. The metamorphosis from a cold-blooded businessman to a desperate father who lets tears and snot (literally!) is perfectly shown. Perhaps the most dramatic moment was the transfer of the daughter to the front seat. And, of course, the climax was bright and tense. I also liked the game of Elvira Mingues, who plays the role of a brave sapper. Her nomination for the Goya Award is well deserved. But the main villain was not particularly impressed. Although a simple appearance, not arousing suspicion, was successfully beaten in the plot. In general, I will not disclose all the details so that others will also be interested in watching and feeling the nervous atmosphere, enjoying the magnificent game of Tosar and no less magnificent views of Spain.
7 out of 10