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Scherzo Diabolico review [FrightFest 2015]: “A luscious mix of conflicting emotions”

Scherzo Diabolico review

Scherzo Diabolico review

Director: Adrian Garcia Bogliano
Cast: Francisco Barreiro, Daniela Soto Vell, Jorge Molina, Milena Pezzi, Vita Vargas
Certificate: TBD
Running Time: 91 Minutes

Synopsis: A bored and frustrated accountant plans a kidnapping that soon becomes his own worst nightmare.

Ever been so bored that you just wanted to try something a little different? That’s exactly how the protagonist of Adrian Garcia Bogliano’s latest film, Scherzo Diabolico feels. But rather taking up a knitting or archery, he instead spends his time planning the perfect kidnapping. Aram (Barreiro) spends his time following high school student (Soto). He has a notepad where he clocks how long she takes to walk places and knows her routine perfectly. But is there any intent behind Aram’s new found obsession?

Scherzo Diabolico review

Scherzo Diabolico review

Scherzo Diabolico is a film that gets increasingly darker as time goes on. To start with we can give Aram the benefit of the doubt. He’s a family man who’s doing all the work at his company, but reaping none of the rewards. He’s pleasant enough, and doesn’t seem that dangerous. This is all down to Barreiro’s incredible everyman performance. He never once seems to be a sociopath, but we know that’s what he is. The darkness is teamed with comedy, as Aram chokeholds his dementia suffering father, in order to time how long somebody will be knocked out for, and even Aram’s time with his own son turns into a game where he practices carrying a body places and how long that will take.

These moments become more and more unsettling, and are made even worse by making us laugh first. As it becomes increasingly obvious that Aram will follow through on his plan, Bogliano takes us on a rollercoaster journey of emotions and plot twists. Aram isn’t the most evil kidnapper in the world, in fact he’s kind of tame, but only because he never once considers the psycological impact he will have on his captor. Just as Aram’s life falls into place with promotions, extra-marital affairs with the young secretary, a seemingly more content wife, the film spirals into a deep pit of darkness that punishes our enjoyment of Aram’s earlier exploits.

Scherzo Diabolico review

Scherzo Diabolico review

There’s a very Coen-esque vibe to Scherzo Diabolico, but that’s not to say it is a cheap imitation. Bogliano has a complete vision for his little disasterpiece, and the excessive violence becomes a clear warning in this twisted morality tale. Barreriro may lead an impressive cast, but the support is every bit as phenomenal. Soto plays the victim well, but when she snaps you believe every inch of her vengeful intent. The trick of Bogliano’s strong script is to have us care for everybody, and then punish even the most innocent. It shows the destructive nature of all the actions that have come before.

The use of naturalistic cinematography gives little clue as to how things will eventually unfold. The crime elements and story beats are portrayed with all the precision of Aram himself, with enjoyable montages showing just how dedicated he is. You’re not supposed to enjoy this film, but you will, and then you’ll be punished for it. Clever, tactful, and never dull, Scherzo Diabolico is a luscious mix of conflicting emotions that leaves you purposefully empty. You’ll enjoy the ride, up until you’re driven off a cliff into an awaiting pit of very sharp objects.

Scherzo Diabolico review by Luke Ryan Baldock, August 2015.

Scherzo Diabolico was screened at Frightfest 2015.

Luke likes many things, films and penguins being among them. He's loved films since the age of 9, when STARGATE and BATMAN FOREVER changed the landscape of modern cinema as we know it. His love of film extends to all aspects of his life, with trips abroad being planned around film locations and only buying products featured in Will Smith movies. His favourite films include SEVEN SAMURAI, PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC, IN BRUGES, LONE STAR, GODZILLA, and a thousand others.

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