Benjamín Naishtat's 'Glaxo': A Daring Dive into Argentina's Troubled Past

In his latest film, "Glaxo," Benjamín Naishtat revisits the haunting legacy of Argentina's Dirty War, this time through the lens of the 1950s post-Peron military rule. Adapting Hernán Ronsino's complex novel, Naishtat navigates themes of friendship and betrayal with a narrative that shifts through time and perspective, though the execution leaves something to be desired.

A Complicated Narrative

Set against the backdrop of 1984, "Glaxo" opens with a self-referential joke about its convoluted plot, as two friends in a movie theater struggle to grasp the intricacies of "The Terminator." This playful nod introduces viewers to a story that unfolds across three different years, using varying aspect ratios to delineate time periods. The central character, Ramón Folcada, portrayed by Marcelo Subiotto, is a brutal police officer whose jealousy and authoritarian demeanor create a tense environment in rural Chivilcoy, particularly regarding his beautiful wife, “La Negra” Miranda, played by Lali Espósito.

Visuals and Tone

Naishtat's collaboration with cinematographer Pedro Sotero brings 1950s Argentina to life, successfully capturing the essence of the era, even if shot in Brazil. The film boasts rich production design, including a lively sock hop scene that introduces La Miranda. However, despite its visual appeal, "Glaxo" struggles to convey erotic tension, a missed opportunity given the film's themes of illicit relationships and betrayal. The musical score by Shigeru Umebayashi aims to inject romantic intensity but ultimately fails to resonate with the film's energy.

A Mixed Reception

While Naishtat has previously garnered acclaim for balancing art and accessibility, "Glaxo" feels less impactful than his earlier works. The film's attempt to simplify its source material results in a lack of escalating tension and emotional stakes. Fans of Naishtat may find this film disappointing, as it flirts with the complexities of betrayal without fully committing to the narrative depth that defined his previous successes. Despite this, Naishtat remains a compelling filmmaker with a unique perspective on Argentina’s turbulent history.

Source: www.indiewire.com