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"Los Padecientes"... a 2017 Argentinean film directed by Nicolás Tuozzo and based on the novel of the same name written by Gabriel Rolón, who also co-wrote the film's adapted screenplay.
The plot revolves around Pablo Rouviot, a young psychoanalyst played by Benjamín Vicuña, who is investigating an intriguing case.
The story begins when Rouviot receives a visit from a woman named Paula Vanussi, played by Eugenia Suárez, a young woman who makes a rather peculiar request: to prove that given her brother's condition, he is unimpeachable for the murder of her father.
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As Rouviot delves deeper into the case, she discovers that there are many hidden layers and disturbing secrets surrounding Paula's past.
As the therapeutic relationship between Rouviot and Paula develops, the psychoanalyst becomes embroiled in a game of emotions, secrets and manipulations.
The film explores deep psychological themes, such as repressed memory, guilt, trauma and the ethical limits of therapeutic treatment.
Throughout the plot, flashbacks are revealed and different moments in Paula's past are explored, shedding light on her complicated relationship with her father and the impact it has had on her life.
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As Rouviot attempts to uncover the truth behind the crime, she is confronted with moral dilemmas and her own emotional vulnerability.
"Los Padecientes" seeks to combine the psychological thriller genre with romantic elements, creating an atmosphere of mystery and tension.
The film delves into the darker aspects of the human mind and the complexity of personal relationships.
Director Nicolás Tuozzo manages to create a captivating visual aesthetic, using a sombre colour palette and cine matography that reinforces the intriguing atmosphere of the story.
In addition, the performances of Benjamín Vicuña and Eugenia Suárez are outstanding, convincingly conveying the emotions and complexity of their characters.
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Also starring in the film are: Nicolás Francella as Javier Vanussi, Ángela Torres as Camila Vanussi, Pablo Rago as José "Gitano" Heredia, Luis Machín as Roberto Vanussi, Osmar Núñez as El Comandante and Justina Bustos as Luciana Vitali.
It was released in April 2017 and received good reviews and a respectable attendance at the cinemas, ranking second among the films of that year.
Personally I consider it an excellent film.