Observer
THRILLER (2022)
Creators: Ian Brennan, Ryan Murphy
InterpretationsCast: Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, Mia Farrow

One of the most popular Netflix series in recent times, The Spectator assembles an all-star cast in a classic psychological thriller that knows how to captivate viewers. Dean and Nora Brannock’s family of four moves into their dream home in the suburbs. Everything seems idyllic until cryptic threatening letters begin to arrive from someone who claims to be watching them closely. Since the local police seem reluctant to intervene, the Brannocks’ suspicions fall on their somewhat odd neighbors, as well as the house’s past.

Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy’s series doesn’t waste time with lengthy introductions, character creation, etc., instead it gets straight to the point, creating a thriller that plays with the boundaries of the metaphysical without actually crossing them. The haunting concept works here as an alternative to the haunted house so popular in American horror mythology. Of course, there are other interesting ones, although we have seen them before: a middle-class suburban dream that turns into a nightmare, dark secrets under the polished surface, and a few more that become especially interesting thanks to the performances of good actors we meet in the first and second roles.

Weasel trick ★★★
COMEDY (2021)
Directed by: Juan José Campanella
Interpretations: Graciela Borges, Oscar Martinez

Outstanding Argentinian director Juan José Campanella (Secret in Her Eyes) is making a black comedy about generation gap, old age, and artistic entertainment (screening at Cinobo). Four elderly people live together in an old country house: a former prima donna from the golden age of cinema, her disabled husband who was once an actor, and two of their friends, a director and screenwriter, respectively, also from ancient times. movie.

The four quietly go about their business until a young couple of realtors show up trying to trick them into selling the house. Campanella’s script has a few deliciously poignant humours, and while the plot feels a bit rudimentary, it’s mostly just enough to keep it interesting. Of course, one should also mention the performances of great veteran actors such as Graciela Borges, Oscar Martinez and Marcos Mudstock, who make up this inimitable trio.