It's a topic no-one wants to talk or know about but alerts how much harm would have been avoided if the issue is treated, because is awful but it's real. The movie is very dark but real and the protagonists are sweet and that is a impactful contrast with the issue. The rhythm is slow paced, reflective and dry. The characters could be either familiar or completely strangers, the protagonist feels himself, and could be seen as a monster, like his own creations. It's a huge act of bravery to show this topic in this way, in the times of neo-conservadurism rising in the world. Carlos Vermut might me ahead of his time.
Plot summary
Julián is a successful video-game designer whose life is plagued by a dark secret. But when Diana pops up in his life, the man will feel as though a chance at happiness is within his grasp.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
October 02, 2023 at 04:02 PM
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Top cast
Movie Reviews
Brave movie
Desires enrich lives, or consume them
Julian is a graphic artist and creature modeler for a video game producer. He has trouble dealing with his emotions and harbors dark and secret desires that threaten to take control of his life and turn him into a monster. Frequent panic attacks and overwhelming cravings debilitate Julian until he meets a woman, Diana, who helps soothe his frayed nerves. Still, she is not enough to keep his deviant cravings in check. He must look into himself to find a way through his predicament.
As with Carlos Vermut's Magical Girl, which is one of my favorite films, Manticore delves into human obsession and desire. Vermut is stylish, deep, precise, and intriguing. He was present at the world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival where he said that it is important to have conversations about our desires and secrets, otherwise they risk getting out of control. Manticore underscores this message.
Tragically beautiful
"A video game designer's trauma following a fire manifests in a frightening obsession."
9/10
Wow. I know this will be an unpopular opinion but I think this is the best picture by Carlos Vermut. Obviously you have to like slow burns - but I actually do and this is a hell of a slow burn, beautifully acted and directed!
It explores complex themes, offering the audience an unsettling yet stimulating experience.
It takes a while to get going, but if you stick with it you will be rewarded with an unnerving, disturbing and ultimately brave third act. I promise you won't forget it anytime soon.
This is an uneasy watch, but it's definitely worth it.