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Movies: Car 24 (2023) by Matías Desiderio: An Existential Roadblock

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Sep 7
  • 5 min read

A Confined World: Car 24 is a minimalist and intense crime drama that takes place entirely within a parked car in Los Angeles. A tense and psychological thriller with a compelling premise, notable for its Audience Award win at a major film festival. The story centers on two professional hitmen, the seasoned Sicilian mercenary named Toto and a younger, drug-addicted Latino assassin named Walter, who are strangers to each other. They are hired by a crime boss to eliminate a target and are instructed to wait in the vehicle for 24 hours until the target appears. Directed, co-written, and co-produced by Matías Desiderio, who also stars as Walter, the film is an intimate study of these two men forced to confront their moral and existential crises while enduring an endless, suspenseful, and confrontational standoff.

Why to recommend this movie: A High-Concept, High-Tension Ride

  • A Unique Premise: The film's core concept of two hitmen, who do not know each other, trapped in a car for 24 hours creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension that is palpable. It is a fresh take on the crime genre, focusing on character dynamics rather than just action.

  • Strong Character Focus: The narrative is driven by the internal struggles and dialogue between the two protagonists. As the clock ticks, their vulnerabilities and moral conflicts surface, offering a deep dive into the human psyche under pressure.

  • An Award-Winning Independent Film: The film has gained recognition, most notably winning the Audience Award at the ARPA International Film Festival, which speaks to its powerful and engaging storytelling that resonated with viewers.

  • A Masterclass in Low-Budget Filmmaking: The film's success demonstrates that a compelling story and strong performances can be more effective than a large budget. Its constraints serve to heighten the drama and make the viewer feel the characters' confinement.

What is the Trend followed?: The rise of independent, intimate thrillers

  • The film follows a trend of independent filmmaking that prioritizes a unique, high-concept premise over big budgets and special effects.

  • It also taps into a broader trend of psychological thrillers that explore the human condition and moral ambiguity, often with a limited cast and setting to intensify the drama.

  • The use of a "bottle film" setting is a key part of this trend, as seen in other successful thrillers like Buried or Phone Booth.

Director's Vision: Trapped Souls, Confronting Humanity

  • Desiderio's vision for Car 24 is to create a film that is both a taut thriller and a philosophical character study.

  • He uses the confined space of the car to amplify the psychological pressure on the characters, forcing them to confront their choices and inner demons.

  • His direction is a testament to the idea that a compelling story and strong performances can be more effective than a large production, showcasing a raw, focused approach to filmmaking.

  • He intentionally subverts the expectations of the typical action film, trading in-your-face violence for a more nuanced exploration of the consequences of a violent life.

Themes: Moral Ambiguity and the Search for Meaning

  • Existential Crisis: Both characters, Walter in particular, grapple with the purpose of their lives and the moral weight of their actions, questioning their identities as professional killers.

  • The Clash of Generations: The film highlights the conflict between the "old school" mobster and the younger, more drug-addicted assassin, revealing a clash of cultures and ideologies within the criminal underworld.

  • Redemption: The film explores whether individuals, regardless of their past deeds, can undergo a change of conscience and find a path toward redemption.

  • The Human Condition: Confined together, the two hitmen reveal the complexities of human nature, showing how even those in the darkest professions are capable of self-reflection and connection.

Key success factors: A Simple Yet Powerful Execution

  • Powerful Dialogue and Performances: The film's success hinges on the compelling and naturalistic dialogue between the two leads, which drives the story forward and reveals their inner worlds.

  • Tense Atmosphere: The claustrophobic setting and slow-burn pacing effectively build and sustain tension, keeping the audience on edge as they await the outcome.

  • Minimalism as a Strength: The film proves that a compelling narrative can be crafted with minimal resources, relying on a strong script and powerful performances to captivate the viewer.

  • An Unpredictable Plot: The story takes unexpected turns as the characters' mission is altered by external forces, leading to a surprising and violent ending.

Awards and Nominations: Acclaimed by the Audience The film was recognized for its powerful story and unique approach, earning the prestigious Audience Award at the ARPA International Film Festival. It was also nominated in the "Best Feature Narrative" category at the same festival.

Critics reception: A Focus on the Film's Craft

  • Latin Heat: The site mentions that the film was nominated for Best Feature Narrative at the 25th annual Arpa International Film Festival, and highlights Desiderio's honor at this recognition.

  • Hispanic Lifestyle: This source emphasizes the film's premise, noting that the hitmen will face each other in an unexpected journey full of "emotional challenges, personal matters, egotistical behaviors, violent reactions and professional differences."

  • Overall Summary: While formal reviews are not widely available, the film's festival recognition indicates a strong positive response from those who have seen it, highlighting its compelling story and a powerful, unique approach.

Reviews: Audience Engagement and Satisfaction

  • Reviews from the ARPA International Film Festival praised the film for its suspenseful plot and the strong performances of the lead actors.

  • Viewers appreciated the film's intellectual depth, noting that it was more than a simple crime story, but a thought-provoking exploration of morality.

  • Overall Summary: The available audience reviews are highly positive, suggesting the film successfully engages viewers on both an emotional and intellectual level, leading to its Audience Award win.

What Movie Trend film is following: The Contained Thriller The film is a prime example of the "contained thriller" or "bottle film" trend, where the narrative is confined to a single, small location. This filmmaking style gained popularity with films like Buried and Phone Booth, and allows for intense suspense and a deep exploration of character psychology.

What Big Social Trend is following: The "Confinement" Narrative Following the global pandemic and an era of widespread social isolation, stories about confinement and the psychological effects of being trapped in a small space have become a resonant social trend. Car 24 taps into this feeling by trapping its characters and forcing them to confront their inner selves, a theme that many can relate to on a metaphorical level after experiencing periods of lockdown and limited social interaction.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Indie Thriller Fans Car 24 is a standout independent film that uses its minimalist setting to its advantage, creating a gripping and thought-provoking character study. It's a testament to the power of a strong script and focused direction, making it a highly recommended watch for anyone who appreciates smart, character-driven thrillers.


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