The proliferation of 'gated communities', named 'countries' in Buenos Aires, gave affluent yuppies an outlet to stay away from the rest of the less affluent population of their city. The idea was to get away to places where they could socialize and mingle with their own kind. In fact, in the story, this particular development is an ideal place of how to be amongst a "big family". The action within the closed community is juxtaposed to the unrest going on within the great Buenos Aires with the decision of the government not to let people withdraw from the banks big amounts from their accounts. The country was a chaos for a segment of the population accustomed to living well, as it is the case with all the four couples at the center of the story.
The beginning of this tale gives us a clue as to what really happened as the bodies of three of the rich members of the country club are seen at the bottom of the pool. Teresa, the wife of Tano, one of the dead men, does not even shed a tear. The narrative goes back in time to the arrival of a new couple, Gustavo and Carla who have bought a house in the complex. The good times, alas, do not last long in this country club enclave.
We get to meet the other three couples already enjoying their paradise. Teresa and Tano are the most outspoken residents. Ronnie and Mavi seem to be the more normal of the octet, and finally, Martin and Lala, have the most to lose because he is the accountant that oversees the finances of the group. They are the people who became wealthy in the Menem era in Argentina. As such, they are all hedonists looking for a better way of life at all costs.
There is a contrast between the men and women that populate this secluded community. Not having read the novel by Claudia Pineiro, we have no way of knowing how well the novel was adapted for the screen by its director, Marcelo Pineyro, who had been absent from the Argentine cinema for a while and the co-writer, Marcelo Figueras. The film, and probably the original book, are probably more politically motivated since 2001 was a horrible year for the economy of the country. While there are riots in the street and people demanding reforms, the inhabitants of this particular country seem to be living in another world altogether.
There is a despicable character, Tano, whose business consists in buying terminal patients wills for a cheap price, reaping a big profit as the person dies eventually. Only Ronnie and his wife Mavi are the only decent characters in this tale. The younger Juan and Trina show some spunk in this rarefied atmosphere where money is king. Tano's proposal, while selfish, serves as a redeeming act for a way out of their problems.
Leonardo Sbaraglia fares best among the all star cast. Ana Celentano makes an impression with her Teresa. Part of the problem with the film is the screenplay with its awkward dialogs and situations. Technically, the film is a quality product, but somehow, it feels empty. Probably, in the hands of another writer would the material have transcended the treatment it was given here by Mr. Pineyro. The film is not a thriller, or a drama, although there are aspects of both within the narrative.
Alfredo Mayo, the cinematographer gets interesting results with the way he photographed the proceedings. The musical score is by Roque Banos.
The beginning of this tale gives us a clue as to what really happened as the bodies of three of the rich members of the country club are seen at the bottom of the pool. Teresa, the wife of Tano, one of the dead men, does not even shed a tear. The narrative goes back in time to the arrival of a new couple, Gustavo and Carla who have bought a house in the complex. The good times, alas, do not last long in this country club enclave.
We get to meet the other three couples already enjoying their paradise. Teresa and Tano are the most outspoken residents. Ronnie and Mavi seem to be the more normal of the octet, and finally, Martin and Lala, have the most to lose because he is the accountant that oversees the finances of the group. They are the people who became wealthy in the Menem era in Argentina. As such, they are all hedonists looking for a better way of life at all costs.
There is a contrast between the men and women that populate this secluded community. Not having read the novel by Claudia Pineiro, we have no way of knowing how well the novel was adapted for the screen by its director, Marcelo Pineyro, who had been absent from the Argentine cinema for a while and the co-writer, Marcelo Figueras. The film, and probably the original book, are probably more politically motivated since 2001 was a horrible year for the economy of the country. While there are riots in the street and people demanding reforms, the inhabitants of this particular country seem to be living in another world altogether.
There is a despicable character, Tano, whose business consists in buying terminal patients wills for a cheap price, reaping a big profit as the person dies eventually. Only Ronnie and his wife Mavi are the only decent characters in this tale. The younger Juan and Trina show some spunk in this rarefied atmosphere where money is king. Tano's proposal, while selfish, serves as a redeeming act for a way out of their problems.
Leonardo Sbaraglia fares best among the all star cast. Ana Celentano makes an impression with her Teresa. Part of the problem with the film is the screenplay with its awkward dialogs and situations. Technically, the film is a quality product, but somehow, it feels empty. Probably, in the hands of another writer would the material have transcended the treatment it was given here by Mr. Pineyro. The film is not a thriller, or a drama, although there are aspects of both within the narrative.
Alfredo Mayo, the cinematographer gets interesting results with the way he photographed the proceedings. The musical score is by Roque Banos.