Felix Viscarret’s hypnotic thriller-drama adaptation of best-selling author Juan José Millas’ novel, Desde la sombra, unravels human nature with strangeness, humour and surrealism. I found the references to talk shows as pure ratings fodder most entertaining.
Damián (Paco León) has just been fired after working at the same company for 20 years. Following an angry and violent outburst, he runs away and hides in the first place he can find when leaving the office: a wardrobe loaded in a van.
The closet, with Damián inside, is then delivered to the house of Lucía (Leonor Watling) and Fede (Juan Diego Botto), a couple who live with their adolescent daughter, María. That same night, an unexpected impulse leads Damian to stay with the family, observing and moving around in the shadows, becoming a mysterious presence.
What begins as a comedy of errors sordidly turns Damian from a likeable character to morally questionable. You’ll be left wondering what, or who, is real or imagined.
Staring at Strangers makes its Australian premiere at the Spanish Film Festival and is now showing at participating Palace cinemas. Check your local guides for screening times.
About Staring at Strangers
Length: 107 min
Rating: 18+
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Directed by Félix Viscarret
Stars Paco León, Leonor Watling, Juan Diego Botto, Alex Brendemühl
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