Carl Roberts 
“Cadejo Blanco is a masterful slow-burn thriller that hooks the viewer and reels them in as the mystery is slowly revealed”
In Justin Lerner’s acclaimed crime drama Cadejo Blanco, a working-class girl from Guatemala City travels to a small coastal town to infiltrate a dangerous street gang after her sister goes missing. Featuring an incredible performance from Karen Martínez, the film is a slow-burn thriller that shows us how people live in Guatemala. The dangers they face and the threat of street gangs that roam the streets. At a little over two hours in length, the film builds up the tension before climaxing in an unexpected way. The film will be in cinemas and on-demand from the 23rd of August. But can the film grab our attention and keep us riveted until the end, or should it be discarded and ignored?
SYNOPSIS
Sarita lives with her sister Bea in a working-class neighbourhood in Guatemala City. One night after a party, Bea doesn’t come home. Convinced that her disappearance has something to do with Andrés, her sister’s dangerous ex, Sarita manages to befriend him and infiltrate his gang. Narrowly avoiding death at every turn. And with an unwavering determination in the face of the men who underestimate her, Sarita becomes increasingly involved with Andrés. And the ruthless, violent world of his gang. As she searches for answers about what happened to her sister, she realises that the truth is a lot more complicated than she could have imagined.
THOUGHTS
Anyone going into the film thinking it’s going to be all-guns-blazing action and violence, you’re in for a disappointment. This isn’t that kind of film. There are scenes of violence and action in the film but they are very few and far between. These scenes move the story forward and act as a critical part of the film’s story. However, the film is a gripping, well-told, well-acted and well-executed thriller. It ramps up the tension until it reaches a crescendo. Director and writer Justin Lerner has crafted something that is a superb watch throughout. The mystery of what happened to Bea is unravelled slowly, never giving the viewer a definitive answer until the last ten minutes.
The film is like an onion, every layer that is peeled away leads to another layer. Then another until the core of what the film holds is finally and brutally revealed. At no time can we feel comfortable watching the film, we are constantly on edge. At any second, Sarita can be uncovered for who she really is and what she’s doing. It has us biting our nails as the story takes us to places we never suspected. And some we don’t want to go to. By the climax, our nerves are frayed as we watch exactly how things will pan out and end.
KAREN MARTINEZ AND THE CAST
Karen Martínez as Sarita is a revelation from start to finish. Her acting prowess and her devotion to her character have us holding our breath as she makes her way through the film. From the older sister who falls out with her younger one, becoming a detective as she searches for her answers, and who she becomes, the actress excels. She shows a toughness underneath her calm and friendly exterior that we don’t expect. Karen Martínez is currently studying film production at a film school in Guatemala City. On the form she shows here, she will go on to become a major star in her own country as well as on the world stage.
THE CAST
What makes the film more enjoyable and mind-blowing is the fact that a few of the cast are making their film debuts here. Several of them haven’t even acted before the film. Rudy Rodríguez as Andrés is incredible. One minute, we find ourselves disliking him immeasurably, the next we are drawn to him. His outbursts of anger and violence contrast with the later scenes of him being kind and friendly to Sarita. It is a debut to be amazed by. Pamela Martínez as Bea also makes her debut here in a small but vital role. As Sarita’s younger sister, we feel for her, fear for her and with justification. It is her disappearance that is the crux of the film, leading us down the path of events the film portrays. It is a small but well-acted performance from Pamela Martínez.
Brandon López as Damian is also a revelation. López has acted before but his role here is one of violence and cunning from the minute we first meet him. Damian has no compassion when it comes to carrying out the business he is in. In his mind, do as you’re instructed or you’re dead. And it will probably be at either his or Andrés’ hands. It is yet another superb performance in what is a superb film. Throw in Juan Pablo Olyslager as Oliveiros, the head of the gang in a creepy, slimy, understated performance and you have the makings of a film that screams and deserves to be seen.
VERDICT
Cadejo Blanco is a masterful slow-burn thriller that hooks the viewer and reels them in as the mystery is slowly revealed. With the brilliant acting performances, the use of the locations, and the script. And an overall feeling of dread at times, this is a film that will take people by surprise. It may not be the entertainment some people want but they will be missing out if they don’t see it. It puts the big-budget Hollywood slow-burn thrillers to shame in places. Showing that the rest of the world are equally as good, if not better at times at making films like this.
Here, you will see the streets of Guatemala in all their glory. It may not be pretty but it is a truthful representation. The same can be said for the film. At times, it may not be pretty. It could have your nerves in shreds by the climax. But it is a movie that will come as a surprise to anyone who loves film. And it is highly recommended.
Cadejo Blanco will be in selected cinemas and on-demand from Friday, courtesy of Bulldog Film Distribution.
Trailer Source: Bulldog Film Distribution
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
