Featuring: Daniel Elías, Esteban Bigliardi, Margarita Molfino, Germán de Silva, Laura Paredes, Mariana Chaud,Cecilia Rainero, Javier Zoro Sutton, Gabriela Saidón
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Director: Rodrigo Moreno
In Cinemas: 22nd March 2024
Beguiling and unpredictable, Cannes Un Certain Regard breakout THE DELINQUENTS reinvents the heist film as a free-flowing adventure. Buenos Aires bank employee Morán (Daniel Eliás) dreams up a scheme to liberate himself from corporate monotony: he’ll steal enough money to support a modest retirement, then confess and serve prison time while his co-worker holds on to the cash. Soon, under pressure from a company investigator, accomplice Román (Esteban Bigliardi) heads to a remote rural idyll to hide the funds. There, he encounters a mysterious woman who will transform his life forever.
“The Delinquents” presents an intriguing narrative woven with elements of clever heist schemes and intricate character dynamics. However, as the romantic entanglements between the central characters come to the forefront, the film’s storytelling needs to maintain its grip and engagement over its unnecessarily lengthy three-hour runtime. Clocking in at just over three hours, “The Delinquents” demands a substantial commitment from its audience. While this extended duration allows for the exploration of nuanced plotlines and character arcs, it proves excessive, particularly given the absence of action scenes and the slow-paced nature of the drama. One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its portrayal of clever heist elements. From intricately planned schemes to moments of tension and suspense, “The Delinquents” delivers captivating sequences that intrigue viewers. The cat-and-mouse game between the protagonists and their adversaries adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative, offering glimpses of excitement amidst the slower dramatic moments. However, as the romantic subplot begins to take precedence, “The Delinquents” loses momentum. While the initial stages of the central characters’ romance may hold some interest, the film’s pacing suffers as it delves deeper into dramatic territory.
The storytelling becomes bogged down by clichés and predictable plot developments, detracting from the heist-driven excitement established earlier in the film. Furthermore, the film’s engagement with its audience wanes as it progresses, with certain scenes failing to sustain interest. Pacing issues arise as the plot meanders through unnecessary subplots, diminishing the impact of the film’s more compelling moments. Despite its flaws, “The Delinquents” benefits from solid performances by its ensemble cast, who bring depth and authenticity to their respective roles. The chemistry between the lead actors adds emotional depth to their interactions, even amidst the narrative and thematic challenges the film faces. Regarding production design and cinematography, “The Delinquents” is visually appealing, with atmospheric settings and moody lighting adding to the film’s overall aesthetic. However, these elements alone are not enough to compensate for the shortcomings in pacing and storytelling.
“The Delinquents” struggles to find its footing amidst competing narrative elements. While its heist thriller premise holds promise, its descent into romantic melodrama ultimately detracts from its overall impact. With a shorter runtime and tighter focus on its strengths, “The Delinquents” could have been a more satisfying cinematic experience.
Overall: 6.5/10
Reviewed as part of Belfast Film Festival 2023
Movie Reviewer
