The Clan
Pablo Trapero’s real-life Argentinian drama is at once a thrilling and haunting look at the country's dark history
Based on an astonishing true story, Pablo Trapero’s taut crime thriller follows Arquimedes Puccio – an avuncular remnant of Argentina’s military junta – as he kidnaps wealthy men and women in the early 80s with the support of his family.
His kidnappings were once political in nature, but as the government makes the transition into a democracy, Puccio sees an opportunity to make money from ransoms with the tacit support of old allies and police.
Shot with a muscular swagger reminiscent of Scorsese and featuring a mesmerising central performance from Guillermo Francella as the sinister patriarch, Trapero’s film draws uneasy parallels between the corrupt heart of this small clan and the country at large.
With a classic rock soundtrack and vivid cinematography to match the performances, The Clan is at once a thrilling crime saga and haunting reminder of Argentina’s history.
The Clan screened at Glasgow Film Festival and is released 16 Sep by Curzon/Artificial Eye
Read more about Glasgow Film Festival in The CineSkinny – in print at Glasgow Film Festival venues and online at theskinny.co.uk/film/cineskinny; The CineSkinny is brought to you by MUBI, the online cinema bringing you hand-picked film gems every day.