(NUEVE REINAS)

Production of Fabián Bielinsky’s debut feature, receiving a welcome rerelease in a 4K digital restoration, came to life when his screenplay won a contest organised by a company who had previously passed on it – a suitably convoluted way for this brilliantly constructed heist movie to make its way to the big screen. Experienced con artist Marcos (Ricardo Darín, in the role that gave him his international break) rescues inexperienced scammer Juan (Gastón Pauls) from a difficult situation and suggests the two team up on a time-sensitive deal for which he needs a partner, involving the sale of a sheet of counterfeit rare stamps. As the deal grows more involved and the number of participants increases even to include Marcos’s sister Valeria (Leticia Brédice), true motivations and plans within plans are gradually revealed in this engrossing, entertaining, and constantly surprising thriller.

Notes by Kevin Coyne