Is Estándar Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy, Thriller cinema, the 2020 release of Estándar stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Tomás’ two great passions are classical music and a compulsion for putting things in order, which has led to his nickname “rarito” (weirdo). As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Thriller 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: "Tomás’ two great passions are classical music and a compulsion for putting things in order, which has led to his nickname “rarito” (weirdo). In Tomás’ tidy world, where he works stacking shelves in the supermarket of a quiet, uneventful neighborhood, something changes when his secret platonic love, Laura, disappears. However, thanks to his fondness for tidying up things and noting down everything, he analyses the habits and obsessions of an eccentric array of clients to find out who is behind Laura’s disappearance. In this town nothing is as “standard” as Tomás would like…"

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. Niko Verona does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Fernando González Gómez 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 104 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 Estándar 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 Comedy, Thriller, 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 3.6/10 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, Estándar explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Fernando González Gómez 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, Estándar 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 Niko Verona or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Estándar is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.