Alejandro Montiel's PERDIDA

A movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

Perdida is both predictable and entertaining.

It's predictable since plot elements -- disappearance of young girl years before, reemergence of the cold case after many years, potential corruption in high places -- are things we've seen many times before. As mysteries go this one is pretty by-the-book.

But the direction, photography, hand to hand fighting, and acting raise it above its core elements, starting with the performances of the tough but conflicted cop played by Argentine actress Luisana Lopilato and the evil witch played by Amaia Salamanca.

We also get to see arresting views of Argentina and Patagonia that we seldom see in movies. Last but not least, the close-in hand to hand action in some scenes is extremely well done. When some one gets thrown against a wall you really hear and feel it.

But be prepared to guess the plot twists. Also, there's a lot of cigarette smoking in this film. But if you like police procedurals and strong female characters, this film is for you.

Luisana Lopilato

Review copyright (c) 2018 by Dennis D. McDonald