The Hidden Face (2011)
A highly contrived plot and a couple of improbable turning points don't get in the way of the enjoyment of watching two women in competition for the same man.
That hardly gives a clue to what happens, but to say more would ruin something of the surprise that is in store. This Spanish language film is shot in both Spain (Barcelona) and Columbia (Bogota), and it has a nice mix of the two worlds. The main character is a Spanish orchestra conductor who is the strong silent type taken a bit too far--he's severe but he's dull, too. But around him are these two women, and jealousy (of course), and these are both strong roles with good performances.
The crazy wild second half of the movie is a kind of justification for the first half, which sets up the situation and is a bit slow. You doubt very much that either of these women would be quite as cruel and at times stupid as they are, and of course the hidden room that becomes a tomb is one of these horror film staples akin to being buried alive. But complete with windows and mirrors in all the right spots to see the worst sides of your enemies. And your ex-boyfriend.
But then, psychological thrillers don't usually need the usual logic of other movies. There is, thankfully, not a shred of the occult here. The Spanish title, La Cara Oculta, is translated literally, and the key to the movie (no pun intended, once you see it) is that hiding becomes hidden in an all to frightening and final way.
The best of this is terrific, really great. Just swallow hard when the improbable is forced on you. It will keep turning and getting better.
A highly contrived plot and a couple of improbable turning points don't get in the way of the enjoyment of watching two women in competition for the same man.
That hardly gives a clue to what happens, but to say more would ruin something of the surprise that is in store. This Spanish language film is shot in both Spain (Barcelona) and Columbia (Bogota), and it has a nice mix of the two worlds. The main character is a Spanish orchestra conductor who is the strong silent type taken a bit too far--he's severe but he's dull, too. But around him are these two women, and jealousy (of course), and these are both strong roles with good performances.
The crazy wild second half of the movie is a kind of justification for the first half, which sets up the situation and is a bit slow. You doubt very much that either of these women would be quite as cruel and at times stupid as they are, and of course the hidden room that becomes a tomb is one of these horror film staples akin to being buried alive. But complete with windows and mirrors in all the right spots to see the worst sides of your enemies. And your ex-boyfriend.
But then, psychological thrillers don't usually need the usual logic of other movies. There is, thankfully, not a shred of the occult here. The Spanish title, La Cara Oculta, is translated literally, and the key to the movie (no pun intended, once you see it) is that hiding becomes hidden in an all to frightening and final way.
The best of this is terrific, really great. Just swallow hard when the improbable is forced on you. It will keep turning and getting better.