Is Malas Costumbres Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2024)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy, Thriller cinema, the 2024 release of Malas Costumbres stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Inspired by real events that take place in June 2016, in a Chile that was euphoric and completely paralyzed while the Chilean soccer team played the Copa América Centenario. 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: "Inspired by real events that take place in June 2016, in a Chile that was euphoric and completely paralyzed while the Chilean soccer team played the Copa América Centenario. It is in the midst of this fervor that two brothers have the opportunity to collect the large inheritance that their mother has left. The detail, a father who has been missing for 20 years, whose whereabouts are unknown and would have the right to her as well. In desperation to collect the millionaire inheritance, leaving out the “daddy heart” who abandoned them, these brothers are willing to do absolutely anything to get all of the money, which leads them to immerse themselves in a hilarious series of events, fed up with a system that oppresses them."

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. Mayte Rodríguez 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 Pablo Mantilla 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 90 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 Malas Costumbres 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 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, Malas Costumbres explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2024 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Pablo Mantilla 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, Malas Costumbres 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 Mayte Rodríguez or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Malas Costumbres is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.