The UK release of Argentinian comedy-drama Wild Tales is plagued by controversy. The film is made up of six separate revenge stories but it’s the first that’s sparked debate. It shows a pilot purposefully crashing a plane full of his adversaries. The writing is sharp but in light of the recent Germanwings tragedy, it’s an understatement to describe the scene as unfortunate.
Since its debut at Cannes, Wild Tales has been gathering admiration and critical acclaim. Damián Szifrón’s film is a beacon for plucky writing, creative cameras, impeccable comic timing and slick production.
Exploring what happens when ordinary frustrations bubble over, Wild Tales is for anyone who’s ever thought about getting back at a bad driver, imagined themselves reaping vengeance on a cheating partner or telling the authorities what they think. The film’s characters do all of these things and the results are as uplifting as they are horrific.
Szifrón isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of laughter and this confidence is Wild Tales’ greatest strength. Many of the stories could resolve much earlier than they do, but Szifrón’s willingness to push them to their extremes reaps the biggest laughs. Just when you think things can’t get any worse for Szifrón’s characters, they do.
That Wild Tales feels cohesive is a testament to its delicate thematic weaving, going beyond the broad revenge motif to encompass freedom, corruption and family. It’s intelligent writing, packed with playful touches from music choices to visual imagery: a universal comedy for modern times.
VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5
Certificate: U
Running time: 122 minutes
UK release date: 27 March 2015
Review first printed in Ashfield & Mansfield Chad
I only just read about this the other day in Sight and Sound, it sounds fantastic!!!
It really is good – very creative and funny!
:O! This is playing at a spanish film festival next month! SCOORE!!! 😀
Glad you’re able to check it out. Enjoy!
From what I have read it is a corker of a film, bloody hilarious apparently. I am keen to see what Spanish humour is like, as I loved Superchondriaque from the french film fest just finishing now.
Hope you enjoy it!
Hi Natalie! I actually listened to an interview on NPR a few months ago w/ the filmmaker of this and it definitely intrigued me! Sounds quite violent as well though, I’m not good w/ that stuff.
Hi Ruth. Sorry I missed your comment here. Wild Tales is a very imaginative little film that takes its ideas to extremes with much comic effect! It does entail violence at times but it’s not what I would call ‘gory’. I’m not a fan of gory movies myself so I can see where you’re coming from. Maybe try it at home instead of the cinema.