Watch Contrapelo

Contrapelo is a thrilling short film directed by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer and produced by Fuera de Quadro. The Spanish language film follows a barber named Mario (Art Bonilla), who is also an assassin in the gritty streets of Tijuana, Mexico. Eduardo Roman plays the role of "El Mojado," a man who enters the barbershop and seeks out Mario's services. However, what Mario doesn't know is that El Mojado has a hit out on him.

The film begins with Mario doing what he does best, cutting hair, while a young boy watches on. However, the tension builds as El Mojado walks in, speaking of ominous threats and demanding Mario's services. As Mario begins to shave El Mojado, his hands shaking with fear, the audience can feel the intensity. The dialogue is minimal, but the atmosphere created by the score and the acting is captivating.

The film explores themes of morality, justice, and vengeance through its main character Mario, who is portrayed in a nuanced and complex manner. Mario is a man of few words, but his facial expressions convey a multitude of emotions, including fear, anger, and empathy. The story is not just about the violence of the drug wars in Tijuana but also the human cost it extracts. The film pulls no punches in its depiction of the violence, but it also shows how it affects the lives of those involved.

Brian Gomez plays the role of the cartel member who issues the hit on Mario. He has a brief appearance in the film, but his character's presence is felt throughout, adding to the sense of imminent danger. Gomez's portrayal of a ruthless drug lord is chilling and convincing, adding another layer to the film's exploration of the effects of the drug trade.

The cinematography is stunning, with the use of close-ups and handheld camera adding to the film's feeling of being both intimate and intense. The barbershop setting is utilized to great effect, with the mirrors adding a sense of claustrophobia, while the windows give glimpses of the city outside. The use of color, particularly the red of the barber's cape and the blue of El Mojado's shirt, adds to the visual impact of the film.

The film's title, Contrapelo, is a Spanish word that means "against the grain." It's a fitting title for a film that goes against the conventions of the typical hitman thriller. Instead of focusing on action and violence, the film explores the psychological toll of the protagonist's choices. Mario's inner conflict is palpable, and the audience is left wondering what the consequences of his actions will be.

While the film is only 19 minutes long, it packs a punch. The tension builds throughout the film until its explosive conclusion. The ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the audience questioning their own values while highlighting the complexities of the world we live in.

Overall, Contrapelo is a well-crafted short film that stands out in its genre. It's not afraid to explore the human cost of violence while still delivering a thrilling and intense story. The acting, cinematography, and direction are all top-notch, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone who appreciates good filmmaking.

Contrapelo is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.