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

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Splinters, a standout production of 2020, 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 On 3 November 1995, the Rio Tercero Military Factory exploded in Cordoba, prompting thousands of projectiles to fire and spread in the surrounding villages, in a tragedy that would leave seven dead and hundreds injured and affected. 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: "On 3 November 1995, the Rio Tercero Military Factory exploded in Cordoba, prompting thousands of projectiles to fire and spread in the surrounding villages, in a tragedy that would leave seven dead and hundreds injured and affected. At the time, Natalia Garayalde was a twelve-year-old girl who lived with her family near the place, and he was still playing filming with the video camera her father had bought, when she recorded the immediate moments of the burst, while her family escaped the explosions, as well as the daily activities of the village in the days and weeks that follow. Twenty-five years later, that material captured from a girl's candid and surprised gaze it becomes a thoughtful and painful testimony about the family, the destruction of a city, the traces of horror, the sinister truth about the case."

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. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Esteban Garayalde delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Documentary acting at its most potent.

The direction by Natalia Garayalde is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 70 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 Splinters 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 mandatory viewing experience—a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.6/10 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, Splinters explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Natalia Garayalde 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, Splinters is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Esteban Garayalde or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Splinters is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.