DIRECTOR: Luis Ortega
STARRING: Nahuel Perez Biscayart, Ursula Corbero, Daniel Gimenez Cacho
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 36 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
Remo's self-destructive behaviour overshadows his talent. Abril, an upcoming jockey is pregnant by Remo and has to decide between child or continuing the race. They both race for Sirena, a businessman who saved Remo's life in the past.
***
Kill the Jockey is the latest film from acclaimed director Luis Ortega. This is also the second time he has represented Argentina at the Oscars following El Angel in 2018. El Angel was the winner of multiple Argentinian Academy Awards, and Ortega is regarded as one of the country’s brightest filmmaking talents. Kill the Jockey made its worldwide debut at the Venice Film Festival, followed by the Toronto and San Sebastián Film Festivals. Protagonist Pictures handles international sales on the film from Rei Pictures, El Despacho, Infinity Hill, Exile, and Warner Music Entertainment. The film debuted in theatres across Argentina at the end of September.
The film was selected by members of the Academy of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts of Argentina. The announcement, which was made via the Academy's YouTube channel, from the DAC headquarters, was made by Peter Lanzani.
The film is produced by Benjamin Domenech, Santiago Gallelli, Matias Roveda, Ortega, Esteban Perroud, Axel Kuschevatzky, Cindy Teperman, Charlie Cohen, Paz Lazaro, and Nando Vila.
Kill the Jockey is a comedy and it was filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
To check out all previous submissions for Argentina, click HERE.
STARRING: Nahuel Perez Biscayart, Ursula Corbero, Daniel Gimenez Cacho
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 36 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
Remo's self-destructive behaviour overshadows his talent. Abril, an upcoming jockey is pregnant by Remo and has to decide between child or continuing the race. They both race for Sirena, a businessman who saved Remo's life in the past.
***
Kill the Jockey is the latest film from acclaimed director Luis Ortega. This is also the second time he has represented Argentina at the Oscars following El Angel in 2018. El Angel was the winner of multiple Argentinian Academy Awards, and Ortega is regarded as one of the country’s brightest filmmaking talents. Kill the Jockey made its worldwide debut at the Venice Film Festival, followed by the Toronto and San Sebastián Film Festivals. Protagonist Pictures handles international sales on the film from Rei Pictures, El Despacho, Infinity Hill, Exile, and Warner Music Entertainment. The film debuted in theatres across Argentina at the end of September.
The film was selected by members of the Academy of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts of Argentina. The announcement, which was made via the Academy's YouTube channel, from the DAC headquarters, was made by Peter Lanzani.
The film is produced by Benjamin Domenech, Santiago Gallelli, Matias Roveda, Ortega, Esteban Perroud, Axel Kuschevatzky, Cindy Teperman, Charlie Cohen, Paz Lazaro, and Nando Vila.
Kill the Jockey is a comedy and it was filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
To check out all previous submissions for Argentina, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
"You die and someone else takes your place."
Luis Ortega’s Kill the Jockey is a cinematic whirlwind that captures the volatile world of a fallen jockey with audacious style and emotional depth. The film offers an electrifying blend of dark humor, surrealism, and poignant drama, bringing the chaotic life of Remo Manfredini, played masterfully by Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, into sharp focus. Through its striking visuals and unorthodox storytelling, Ortega crafts a story that is as unpredictable as its protagonist, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.
At its core, Kill the Jockey is a story of redemption and self-discovery. Remo’s descent from the heights of his career to the gritty underbelly of Buenos Aires is depicted with unflinching honesty. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the destructive nature of addiction and the fragility of ambition. Yet, amidst the despair, there’s a glimmer of hope, especially as Remo begins to rebuild his identity. Biscayart’s performance is mesmerizing, balancing vulnerability and defiance with remarkable ease. His portrayal of Remo’s transformation feels deeply authentic, anchoring the film in humanity.
Ortega’s direction is bold and imaginative, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The dreamlike sequences and surreal imagery add layers of complexity, making the film as much about the internal journey as the external one. Timo Salminen’s cinematography enhances this vision with its vibrant, almost tactile visuals, capturing the pulsating energy of Buenos Aires while juxtaposing it with moments of introspection and quiet beauty. The two standout dance scenes, both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, offer a reprieve from the darkness and showcase Ortega’s flair for crafting unforgettable moments.
The supporting cast also shines, particularly Úrsula Corberó as Abril, whose nuanced performance brings depth to her character’s struggles and devotion. The chemistry between Abril and Remo adds an emotional anchor to the narrative, providing a tender counterbalance to the film’s edgier aspects. Daniel Giménez Cacho as the menacing Sirena delivers a performance that is both chilling and captivating, underscoring the dangers of the world Remo is trying to escape.
Kill the Jockey is not without its eccentricities, but it is precisely these elements that make it so compelling. Luis Ortega has crafted a film that defies easy categorization, blending genres and tones to create something truly unique. It’s a daring, emotionally charged exploration of resilience and the human spirit, and while it may challenge its audience, it rewards those willing to embrace its wild, unapologetic ride.
(This review contains spoilers.)
"You die and someone else takes your place."
Luis Ortega’s Kill the Jockey is a cinematic whirlwind that captures the volatile world of a fallen jockey with audacious style and emotional depth. The film offers an electrifying blend of dark humor, surrealism, and poignant drama, bringing the chaotic life of Remo Manfredini, played masterfully by Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, into sharp focus. Through its striking visuals and unorthodox storytelling, Ortega crafts a story that is as unpredictable as its protagonist, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.
At its core, Kill the Jockey is a story of redemption and self-discovery. Remo’s descent from the heights of his career to the gritty underbelly of Buenos Aires is depicted with unflinching honesty. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the destructive nature of addiction and the fragility of ambition. Yet, amidst the despair, there’s a glimmer of hope, especially as Remo begins to rebuild his identity. Biscayart’s performance is mesmerizing, balancing vulnerability and defiance with remarkable ease. His portrayal of Remo’s transformation feels deeply authentic, anchoring the film in humanity.
Ortega’s direction is bold and imaginative, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The dreamlike sequences and surreal imagery add layers of complexity, making the film as much about the internal journey as the external one. Timo Salminen’s cinematography enhances this vision with its vibrant, almost tactile visuals, capturing the pulsating energy of Buenos Aires while juxtaposing it with moments of introspection and quiet beauty. The two standout dance scenes, both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, offer a reprieve from the darkness and showcase Ortega’s flair for crafting unforgettable moments.
The supporting cast also shines, particularly Úrsula Corberó as Abril, whose nuanced performance brings depth to her character’s struggles and devotion. The chemistry between Abril and Remo adds an emotional anchor to the narrative, providing a tender counterbalance to the film’s edgier aspects. Daniel Giménez Cacho as the menacing Sirena delivers a performance that is both chilling and captivating, underscoring the dangers of the world Remo is trying to escape.
Kill the Jockey is not without its eccentricities, but it is precisely these elements that make it so compelling. Luis Ortega has crafted a film that defies easy categorization, blending genres and tones to create something truly unique. It’s a daring, emotionally charged exploration of resilience and the human spirit, and while it may challenge its audience, it rewards those willing to embrace its wild, unapologetic ride.
