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4.0 out of 5 stars
"Oculto" Dreams A Little Dream--2 Spanish Psychological Thrillers That Might Drive You Mad, February 9, 2007
One of my favorite types of film has always been the thriller. Unfortunately, more often then not, the major studio thrillers of late have been pretty unexciting. I think of them as "cookie cutter" thrillers--meaning the plots are somewhat interchangeable, just slap in a marquee name and add a generic title and you're ready to go. It is with great surprise that I recently came across two Spanish films, neither one had I heard of before, but each offering a unique and interesting concept. More aptly described as psychological thrillers, these two films use standard story conventions--but flip those conventions in an unorthodox way to create something that seems entirely new. "Oculto" (The Hidden) and "El Habitante Incierto" (The Uninvited Guest) may not be high profile films--or even perfect films, for that matter--but each took me on a rewarding journey with unexpected and satisfying results.
Antonio Hernandez's "Oculto" starts off innocuously enough. At a conference about dreams and their meanings, a beautiful woman named Natalia (Angie Cepeda) shares a recurring nightmare that she's been having. She wishes the expert to help her make sense of its significance. Natalia is noticed by Alex (Leonardo Sbaraglia), a reporter at the event who is instantly smitten. Also working there is Beatriz (Laia Marull). Beatriz takes a liking to the good looking Alex, but also seems strangely fascinated by Natalia--and specifically her dream. What begins to unfold is a love triangle of sorts, but also an interesting look at the symbology of dreams. As Natalia becomes increasingly distraught over her nightmares and the connections that link them to the real world--the film heads off in a direction that you might not expect. Bringing in components of obsession and revenge, these three characters will square off in surprising ways to an emotionally complex conclusion.
"The Uninvited Guest" may not seem quite as intricate in comparison--however, it is challenging in a completely different way. Beginning with a fantastic setup, we meet Felix (Andoni Gracia) who has recently broken up with his girlfriend and is left alone in an extensive house. One night a stranger appears and asks to use the phone. Felix permits this, lets him have some privacy, but when he returns--the stranger is gone. Has he just left or is he still in the house? Over the next couple of days, Felix becomes convinced the stranger is living there and evading him--his fear and paranoia grow as no one will believe him. But again, just as you think you know where this story is headed--it changes completely. I won't reveal much--I'll just say that the primary premise of the "uninvited guest" is continued, but is now turned on its head. This paranoid thriller now becomes a film about obsession and voyeurism. And while I may have wanted a little more explanation at the conclusion, it was still a ride I enjoyed taking.
Both of these films feature extremely charismatic and attractive performers. The three leads of "Oculto" form a believable triangle--everyone is linked to everyone else in a compelling way. "The Uninvited Guest" rests largely on the shoulders of Gracia, however, and he shows a great range. Even falling apart, you are still rooting for him. The other lead performer of "The Uninvited Guest" is Monica Lopez (in a critically applauded role). Here, she actually plays two characters--it's very Hitchcockian, but to say more would be a disservice to the film.
Check out these films for something different. Neither is without flaws, but at least they attempt something different. And, for the most part, they succeed. Fascinating, exciting, and surprising--both are highly recommended. (However, as of now, "Oculto" isn't on Region 1 DVD.) KGHarris, 02/07.
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