A Canadian surfer in Columbia (Josh Hutcherson) falls in love with a woman, then discovers her uncle is notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar (Benicio del Toro). The film starts as a low-key romance, but slowly turns darker, as the young man discovers Escobar’s evil power. From there, it transforms into a somewhat suspenseful ride, as he struggles to escape the web of cruelty and murder. Hutcherson nicely captures the bewildered innocence of his plight, while del Toro creates a subdued villain with a human side. This film’s quiet power evolves into a disturbing journey. Subtitles when Spanish is spoken.
(4 / 5)