A Gripping Tale of Youth, Luxury, and Loss

Read Time:3 Minute, 29 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Jezabel
(adult content) –

Genre: Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 2022, 2023 streaming
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Hernán Jabes Águila
Writer(s): Hernán Jabes Águila, Eduardo Sánchez Rugeles
Cast: Gabriel Agüero, Eliane Chipia, Johanna González, Shakti Maal, Erich Wildpret
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: on VOD and leading digital platforms on November 10, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: As we journey into the opulent yet turbulent world of JEZABEL, I was immediately engrossed by the magnetic allure of its setting in Caracas, a city pulsating with energy and fraught with political unrest. This is a portal into an odyssey where luxury and tragedy waltz together in a captivating tango. The narrative hooks you with its rich blend of indulgence, decadence, and heartache, painting a vivid portrait of a group of friends in a tangled web of mystery and moral decay.

JEZABEL unravels a narrative of luxurious lives, capturing the youthful abandon of Loló, Cacá, Eli, and Alain. Their world of paradise-like pleasures is shattered by a violent act that claims more than any of them are prepared for, casting a long shadow over their existence. Sixteen years on, Alain finds himself still trapped by the ghost of that grim night. A sudden twist in the story catapults him into a journey alongside a journalist trying to unravel the murky truths of their past. This mix of psychological intrigue with a stark depiction of societal decline is masterfully executed.

Director Hernán Jabes takes the helm with a deft hand, transforming Eduardo Sánchez Rugeles’s novel into a cinematic explosion that both unnerves and captivates. His treatment of themes like societal decadence and boldness captures the book's essence, translating it into a visual language that speaks volumes. The performances, particularly those of the central quartet, are nothing short of spellbinding, perfectly encapsulating the turmoil and desolation of a forsaken youth.

Far from your typical thriller, JEZABEL delves deep, offering political introspection and shedding light on the marginalized in a nation on the brink. Jabes not only dissects the privileged youth's lives but weaves a timeline that explores these moments in depth. The narrative poses compelling questions about the impact of our past actions and repression as a survival mechanism.

The film employs a daring narrative structure, splitting the tale into memories and present realities. It favors the genuine transformations by the actors, lending a palpable authenticity to the sixteen-year journey they traverse. This bold move pays off, providing a seamless and credible narrative arc.

Despite its occasional predictable turns and layered complexity, JEZABEL is captivating. Jabes’s directorial hand, combined with potent performances, crafts a narrative that resonates long after the credits roll. The film is driven by an amalgamation of nuanced subtleties, simmering tensions, and a rich blend of genre elements.

JEZABEL defies conventional cinema norms, presenting a tapestry rich with societal critique, character introspection, and a captivating story. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of film – a medium that not only entertains but provokes thought sparks dialogue, and even incites change.

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[photo courtesy of MNIBUS ENTERTAINMENT]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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