Film Review: ‘The Delinquents’ dir. Rodrigo Moreno
Rating: ★★★☆☆
“The Delinquents,” directed by Rodrigo Moreno in 2023, made its debut in the Un Certain Regard competition at the Cannes Film Festival and earned the honor of representing Argentina at this year’s Academy Awards. Currently, the film is featured in the Limelight section of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, marking its premiere in the Netherlands.
Rodrigo Moreno’s film is undeniably well-crafted, albeit not without its shortcomings. Initially, the direction and editing seize our attention, and the film’s language is praiseworthy throughout. However, over the extensive 189-minute runtime, it becomes apparent that the narrative delves excessively into details unrelated to the plot, rendering these side stories more like distracting detours. These tangents lead us astray, diverting our focus from the primary storyline.
Presenting itself as a dark comedy, the film manages to draw smiles at certain junctures. One notable aspect that keeps the audience engaged is the anticipation surrounding its resolution—what will unfold in the end? The initial thirty minutes are gripping, with a meticulously engineered plot, precise cinematography, and effective editing showcasing the director’s skill. Regrettably, the film loses its momentum after this captivating opening, adopting a sluggish pace and overly fixating on details that distance themselves from the central narrative. As a result, the film fails to recapture the captivating essence that initially drew us in.
The filmmaker aims to establish a deliberately slow and tiresome rhythm, mirroring the wearisome pace of Morán’s life. Morán, exhausted by the monotony, decides to take matters into his own hands. Opting for a side road, he plans to steal $650,000 from the bank where he works—twice the amount he will receive in total income until his retirement. In the process, he coerces a colleague into becoming an accomplice, essentially blackmailing him to stay as his partner. After three years, they plan to split the ill-gotten gains. Morán himself orchestrates a plan to turn himself in, serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Upon his release, he intends to start a new life with his share of the substantial amount.
While the film boasts moments of humor and well-crafted scenes, and the performances of the actors are commendable, it is hindered by weaknesses in the screenplay and a noticeable deviation from its intended course.
