El Tío

Fantastic Fest 2023 Greetings again from the darkness. Croatian filmmakers David Kapac and Andrija Mardesic set this story around Christmas, or so it seems anyway. The tinseled tree is up, the house is decorated with blinking lights, and mom is cooking a beautiful turkey for the family meal. Dad and son race to finish their chores before Uncle arrives after his drive from Munich. What appears to be a Norman Rockwell set-up for the family holiday fun is somehow off kilter ... each of the players displays enough awkwardness that we instinctively know not all is as it seems.

Forced conversation at the table turns to forced gratitude as presents are disbursed. A video is shown and then Uncle departs. We are left to wonder what the heck, when another day arrives and the event is recreated ... right down to the roast beast. We soon see piles of turkeys, cigarette cartons, and BB guns, and realize that these evenings are not just uncomfortable, they are being repeated time after time.

Uncle states many times that all he wants is "a perfect Christmas", though it's not until "Sis" accompanies one evening, that we begin to assemble the clues and pieces. There is enough dark comedy in the first half that we chuckle a few times; however, the second half is so bleak and depressing and filled with suspense, that we can only attempt to shake off the feeling of horror that permeates. Two standout performances here belong to screen vet Predrag Miki Manojlovic (as Uncle) and Ivana Roscic (as the mother).

The movie is not well thought out. It's based on this idea that's a bit extraordinary, and in my opinion extraordinary ideas need extraordinary explanations. Otherwise we could just keep making things up, and that's not good storytelling.

The story is unconvincing, there are so many plot holes that haven't been addressed, or even attempted to be explained.

Camera was good, acting was mostly good (considering what they had to work with), but the story is lacking, and that's something that can't be fixed with nice filmography, unfortunately.

I'm really disappointed, especially after seeing the cast which gave me some hope that it's going to be a good movie.

If you start this movie, and the lack of solid plot throws you off, just stop, it's not going to change, there is no catharsis, there is no revelation, and ultimately there is no point.

As it began, I didn't know what to think of, which made me confused. After a while it became clear that there's a lot more to the movie than I was expecting or prepared for.

There are no real holes in the plot, as some of the reviews suggest. It all sets into the right place in/at the end - might take some thinking time to figure it out, though.

Reminded me of the Greek masterpiece "Kynodontas", which is a huge plus, so if you're into that kind of movies, you'll definitely like this one.

I'll have to repeat the title and say that, although slightly disturbed, I was... -pleasantly surprised.

Watched it the other day in cinema, 'cos I wanted to pay full price for the ticket and show my support for Croatian non-arty-farty film.

I'm ambivalent with what I saw.

Camera work, scenography, the cast that's all good and the initial idea for the story is fresh. However, I didn't care for the characters, their plight didn't leave me at the edge of the seat. This film wants to be a psychological thriller but it misses some key components. It has plot holes and there are some rather unconvincing moments - I don't want to write spoilers.

Maybe I'm too critical, but it's only because I want more of non-arty-farty Croatian films and I want those films to be better.

No, this movie isn't a comedy. Horror and psychological thriller, yes. It gets hard to watch it in some scenes, also a little bit disturbing, but, for me, this was the kind of a movie you watch without pausing it or stopping it. In first half hour of the movie it's really hard to understand what's going on. But, if you continue to watch it, well... Then movie get vibes like "Groundhog day" but nooo, it's something completely different. Movie is excellent, watch it till the end. I am surprised, pleasantly with it, but, must say, didn't quite understand the ending.

All in all, give this movie a try. Something a little bit different. Great idea, great acting!