Fabian Bielinsky's directorial debut is an electrifying crime thriller that deserves to join the ranks as a classic of the genre--along with David Mamet's HOUSE OF GAMES and Bryan Singer's THE USUAL SUSPECTS. Set in a Buenos Aires that is on the verge of economic collapse, the film tells the story of Juan (Gaston Pauls), a con artist with a conscience. Trying to round up enough money to pay off his incarcerated father's debts, Juan stumbles into fellow swindler Marcos (Ricardo Darin), a far more confident, experienced criminal. When Marcos offers Juan the chance to team up for the day, his initial apprehension succumbs to the pressure of helping his father, and he agrees to the partnership. After a few minor cons, the pair unknowingly stumbles into a potentially lucrative score involving a wealthy businessman, Gandolfo, and a forged set of rare stamps, The Nine Queens. As new characters are introduced and the plot becomes more convoluted, it becomes unclear--to the audience, as well as Juan and Marcos--just who is conning whom. Bielinsky's debut feature is a magnetic, ingenious puzzle that features flawless performances by Darin and Pauls, in addition to the stellar supporting cast.
