This stylish millennial thriller marks the directorial debut of Mateo Gil, co-writer of Open Your Eyes and close friend and regular collaborator with director Alejandro Amenabar. Set during the stunning spectacle of Seville’s Holy Week processions, Nobody Knows Anybody focuses on crossword designer Simon (Eduardo Noriega), whose life is upended by an ominous telephone call informing him that there will be hell to pay if he doesn’t include the word ‘adversary’ in his next crossword. Soon, a series of horrific murders erupt, casting suspicion on the aspiring writer and leading him to seek help from his flatmate Sapo (Jordi Mollà), a spoiled rich kid. As Simon delves deeper into the increasingly mysterious events, he begins to question everything and trust nobody, including himself. A highly atmospheric thriller filled with bizarre images (a naked priest embracing a statue of the Virgin Mary, a legion of hooded penitents shooting toy guns at a trapped and frightened Simon), Nobody Knows Anybody makes great use of its Seville locations, which should really share equal billing with the film’s excellent young cast.
Spain/France, 1999.
English subtitles.
Colour.
Panavision anamorphic.
Dolby digital stereo.
108 mins.