Is El asombro Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2014)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

El asombro, a standout production of 2014, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into As if it were a continuation of the last 15 minutes of AB, Fund and Loza, now accompanied by Moriconi, radicalize the aesthetic procedure of the previous film made together: on the one hand, there is a free text, between poetic and philosophical, pronounced voiced by two men and a woman; on the other, a set of plans of different ecosystems, live and stuffed animals, clouds, waterfalls and lava, organized by a kind of poetic logic, makes up the visual material. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "As if it were a continuation of the last 15 minutes of AB, Fund and Loza, now accompanied by Moriconi, radicalize the aesthetic procedure of the previous film made together: on the one hand, there is a free text, between poetic and philosophical, pronounced voiced by two men and a woman; on the other, a set of plans of different ecosystems, live and stuffed animals, clouds, waterfalls and lava, organized by a kind of poetic logic, makes up the visual material. The disjunction between text and image is programmatic, and in parallel they constitute a form of free poetic expression. The precariousness of existence is evidence, and the very composition of the images is in line with this empirical confirmation. The general discourse oscillates between a heterodox Franciscan Christianity and a sensitive Darwinism, and in the same way a kind of awareness of terror and amazement towards the universe is combined."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Santiago Loza, the performance in El asombro feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Santiago Loza is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 49 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is El asombro truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, El asombro explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2014 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Santiago Loza respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, El asombro is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Santiago Loza or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, El asombro is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.