CFUV @ VFF: Review of ‘Wild Tales’

Disgruntled fathers, road ragers, and stressed-out brides — Wild Tales features them all in 122 delightfully morbid minutes. Split between six vignettes, this film is all about the release of revenge. Sometimes all too real and sometimes wildly far-fetched, Wild Tales shows us the worst sides of ordinary people pushed far past their breaking points.

From the first tale, director Damián Szifrón manages to create a scenario that is somehow both horrific and bitingly funny. He ends with what I would consider the strongest of the six stories: a wedding scene that might be the new go-to short I want to show all of my recently engaged or married friends. It’s my second year covering the Victoria Film Festival, and out of all the movies I’ve been able to view so far this one is probably the most likely to wind up my shelf someday to enjoy with others. It’s brilliant and unexpected, and one I can see myself readily re-watching.

I caught myself laughing — and cringing — harder to this film than to any others I have seen in recent memory. My response seemed to be pretty on par with many people in the audience. Belly laughs, knowing chuckles, and sounds of shock could be heard from aisles throughout the theatre. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a movie theatre crowd react the way they did tonight for Wild Tales.

With a theme of vengeance that can get quite violent in nature, this film isn’t one for everyone’s list. However, if you’re game for something cathartically twisted and wickedly funny, I’d recommend getting yourself a seat for the second showing at 4pm on February 14.

— Linda