8/10
Preponderance of evidence
11 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
As in many Hitchcock films, we know who committed the homicide in the title in the first few minutes. The rest of the movie is about the obsession of Roberto, the law professor, to trap and expose the criminal; through him and other characters the viewer obtains clues and hints about the purpose and the motivation of the killer. None of these clues is definitive, and most can be interpreted in more than one way.

I must I say I was a little bit put off on first viewing; in films of this type we expect a solution, but here we just get an additional clue and then the movie ends. On second thought (and second viewing) I think this is what makes the movie so good. Solutions are almost always disappointing. In contrast, this ending delivers preponderance of evidence from incomplete information but leaves many points unresolved, as in real life and real legal proceedings.

Ricardo Darín's performance is flawless; he has developed into one of the finest actors of his generation. Alberto Amman is equally excellent; he alternates subtly and almost imperceptibly between boyish charm and creepiness. Director Hernán Goldfrid hits all the right notes all the time; his pacing is perfect. Production values are excellent.

This movie is a must see. As a bonus, you'll get to know the magnificent building housing the School of Law of the University of Buenos Aires.
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