Plá’s feature début is a taut social thriller that brutally reveals the dangers of growing polarisation between have and have-nots. ‘The Zone’ is a wealthy guarded and gated estate in Mexico City. When three teens from the slums on the other side of the wall break into the compound, they soon discover that privilege equals power and that inhabitants of ‘The Zone’ only uphold its own laws. Miguel manages to escape further into the neighbourhood where he encounters Alejandro, a local rich boy of a similar age.
Reviews
“an impressive feature debut that sweeps the viewer into the horrors of vigilante justice, doing more than simply pitting the haves against the have-nots. Set within an exclusive gated community surrounded by slums in Mexico City, the pic tackles issues of privilege, responsibility and group mentality in subtler ways than descriptions might convey, finishing it all off with a punch.” Jay Weissberg, Variety
“The screenwriter, Laura Santullo […] expertly captures the mood of paranoia and self-righteousness gripping this middle-class enclave, so terrified of the underclass that they have turned their homes into virtual fortresses. The film asks the pertinent question, which of them, rich or poor, is more in need of protection?” Anthony Quinn, The Independent
Awards
Toronto International Film Festival ’07 – WINNER
– International Critics’ Award FIPRESCI (Rodrigo Plá)
Venice Film Festival ’07 – WINNER
– ‘CinemAvvenire’ Award (Rodrigo Plá)
– Luigi De Laurentiis Award (Rodrigo Plá)
Goya Awards ’08 nomination
– Best Adapted Screenplay (Laura Santullo)