A Lackluster Crime Thriller: “Recurrence” Review
Introduction
“Recurrence” is a crime-thriller film from Argentina, written by author Florencia Etcheves and directed by Alejandro Montiel. It is the third installment in the “Pipa” trilogy, following the movies “Perdida” and “Intuition.”
The Protagonist’s Journey
The movie follows the story of Manuela Pipa Pelari, a former violent crimes investigator who now resides in the serene town of La Quebrada, Argentina. Pipa left the police department due to the trauma caused by the death of her former colleague and drug dealer, Cornelia Villalbas. Seeking solace, she moved to La Quebrada with her son Tobias.
A New Mystery Unveiled
The narrative unfolds with the death of Samantha Sosa, a young girl found burned. Pipa’s aunt, Alicia, urges her to step back into her former investigator role. Wondering who was behind Samantha’s murder, Pipa embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. The central question that drives the movie is: “Who killed her, and why?”
A Captivating Setting
The film mesmerizes viewers with its breathtaking cinematography, particularly in the opening sequence. The picturesque backdrop of La Quebrada’s rocky and isolated landscape offers stunning visuals. One scene that stands out is when the characters navigate a riverbed within a canyon, emphasizing their insignificance amidst the towering cliffs.
Exploring Social Issues
“Recurrence” tackles important cultural conversations as subplots within the storyline. It delves into themes like institutionalized racism, indigenous rights, and systematic corruption. Although these themes are presented, they lack complexity and fail to explore contrasting perspectives. However, they provide insightful commentary on real-world issues.
A Jarring Musical Score
The film’s musical score is peculiar, oscillating between obnoxious and dramatic. At times, it feels reminiscent of an 80s sci-fi TV show, creating an odd contrast with the movie’s tone. While the score occasionally complements the theme, it mostly feels disconnected from the narrative, affecting the overall viewing experience.
An Uneven Middle Section
Despite an intriguing start, the middle section of the film feels chaotic and disjointed. While episodes within the storyline are interconnected, the transitions between them lack fluidity and natural progression. Some sections also feel incomplete, such as the unresolved romantic subplot. The lack of narrative cohesion undermines the overall quality of the film.
A Gripping Climax
Fortunately, as the plot enters its third act, the narrative becomes more engrossing. The stakes rise, and the tension builds towards a compelling climax. The characters face increasing danger and tragedy, captivates viewers’ attention, and redeems the movie from its midsection shortcomings.
Underdeveloped Characters
One of the film’s weakest aspects is its characters. While the performances are acceptable, they lack memorability and fail to establish a strong connection with the audience. Pipa’s character, in particular, falls into stereotypical tropes of impatience and fixation. The supporting cast consists of mostly flat, two-dimensional characters, lacking depth and uniqueness.
Shallow Exploration of Themes
“Recurrence” touches on themes of power, prestige, and privilege, but fails to offer a distinct viewpoint. As a result, the portrayal of these themes feels shallow and cliché. The film’s struggle to convey a nuanced perspective diminishes its impact and leaves much to be desired. Despite its flaws, the movie manages to deliver standout moments within its overall mediocrity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Recurrence” falls short of being a remarkable crime-thriller. Despite its captivating setting, intriguing premise, and gripping climax, it stumbles in its middle section due to disjointed storytelling and underdeveloped characters. Themes that hold potential are presented superficially, and the overall impact is marred by mediocrity. While it has its moments, “Recurrence” fails to leave a lasting impression.