El siervo inútil

"El siervo inútil" (The Useless Servant) is yet another example of the strength that the cinematography of the Argentine province of Córdoba is acquiring. The script is asphyxiating, with some elements that could be described as Kafkaesque. There is a careful development of the characters, especially the male ones (the ex-rugbier turned real estate agent, his enterprising father-in-law, the deputy, the ranch hand) and a plot that envelops them and that we anticipate is going to end in the worst way. The film is smart enough to say many things in a very subtle way: a small comment, a glance, the tone of a line of dialogue. Federico Liss' performance (in practically every frame) is restrained and revealing of the doubts, ambitions and torment his character is going through. But everyone is a bit of both victim and victimizer in this ruthless game. Impressive opera prima of the filmmaker.