Amat Escalante's third feature won him Best Director prize in Cannes and tells of a poor, hard-working Mexican family devastated by drug crime and police corruption. Car factory worker Heli lives with his wife and baby, dad and 12-year-old sister, who foolishly allows her police cadet boyfriend to use the roof of their modest home to hide a stash of drugs he's stolen. The young couple hope to run away and marry, but trying to achieve this dream her family will be pulled into the violence that is devastating the region. Performed by a mostly non-professional cast, this tense film succeeds both in highlighting the dangers of Mexico's more lawless regions and the strength of a family bond.
BBFC Certified 18 - Contains a scene of strong sadistic violence
18
105 minutes
2014
Thriller, Drama
Mexico
Spanish
English
Network Releasing