Don’t try to figure this film out. Just go for a unique cinematic encounter. It’s set in the mountains and jungles of an unnamed country, where a group of young “soldiers” is charged with securing a kidnapped woman. Many of the details, like the politics and their purpose aren’t clear, but it doesn’t matter. This film is all about distinctive visuals and inventive direction by Alejandro Landes. The cast is enthralling and their plight becomes more fraught as things begin to deteriorate. You can try to parse out the references to classic books and movies, but don’t waste too much time on that. Just let it wash over you and enjoy one of the most unusual and compelling films this year. In Spanish with subtitles. (Criterion Cinemas only)

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