The Clan (Pablo Trapero, 2015): Argentina

Reviewed by Felix Palmqvist, Santa Barbara, 2016. Lobero Theater

This is a true, tragic story about the Argentinian family who got involved in the kidnapping business. I think this was one of the best films in the whole Film Festival for three simple reasons. First, the cinematography was stunning, with smooth and steady camerawork and a lot of following shots. Second, you really get to know the family on a personal level, especially the oldest son. The movie makes you feel like you are almost on the family’s side, like you want them to get away with these horrific crimes that they were committing. Finally, I think the fact that the movie was from Argentina was made it feel more realistic.

The first 30 minutes of the film are kind of an introduction of the family who are living in this small community in Argentina. They do not have a lot of money, but they have enough. They are also successful in different ways. For example, the oldest son is a good rugby player and the dad and mom are taking proper care of the family. It all seems really nice, and then 20 minutes into the film they do their first kidnapping that we as an audience know of. But it is too soon to realize that it is not the first kidnapping they have done. The dad says that they never kill their victims, which is why the main character, the oldest son, is willing to help with the kidnappings. The turning point for the family is the first time that one of their victims gets killed. That is when the main character realizes that this is wrong, and he starts to kind of become the good guy. Even though he has been doing evil things, you still cheer for him because he really has a good heart.

The actors in the film are great, especially the father. He really demonstrates the look and act of a real psychopath. He really has a good side and a bad side. One minute he is having dinner with his family and moments later he is out recklessly kidnapping people.

I definitely recommend this film. It has a great story and a great plot. It is like you get the Stockholm syndrome by watching this. You start to feel and cheer for the kidnappers, you do not want them to get caught. This is only because the director built up this relationship with the family but the victims are just random people that you do not have any relationship with.
The story is sort of similar to Breaking Bad and American Psycho, where the characters are doing bad things for good reasons, which is what makes this film so special.