Contratiempo (2016)
The Invisible Guest
Raiting: 
7,9 /10
Genre: Thriller
Director: Oriol Paulo
Stars: Mario Casas, Ana Wagener and Jose Coronado
Country: Spain
Release date: 23 September 2016
Length: 106 minutes
"Contratiempo", also known as "The Invisible Guest", is a 2016 Spanish thriller directed by Oriol Paulo. The story revolves around a successful businessman, Adrián Doria, who finds himself accused of a murder he insists he did not commit. The film is a complex web of deceit, manipulation, and revenge, all masterfully woven together through a series of flashbacks and revelations.
The film opens with Adrián waking up in a locked hotel room next to the dead body of his lover, Laura. Despite claiming innocence, the evidence against him is overwhelming. With a murder trial looming, Adrián's lawyer hires Virginia Goodman, a renowned defense attorney, to prepare him for the court proceedings. Virginia has only a few hours to get the truth from Adrián and build a defense case.
As Adrián recounts the events leading up to Laura's death, a story of betrayal and deception begins to unfold. He reveals his involvement in a hit-and-run accident from months ago that resulted in the death of a young man named Daniel Garrido. Laura, who was with Adrián at the time of the accident, insisted they leave the scene, which they did, unknowingly setting a series of tragic events in motion.
Adrián and Laura's attempt to cover up the accident leads to a blackmail scheme and, ultimately, to Laura's death. Yet, as Virginia probes deeper into Adrián's story, inconsistencies and secrets emerge that cast doubt on his version of events. The narrative becomes a puzzle, with each piece revealing a new aspect of the story and forcing the viewer to constantly question what is true and what is not.
The climax of "Contratiempo" is a masterstroke of suspense and revelation, as the true nature of the events and the characters' motivations are finally revealed. The film concludes with a shocking twist that forces the viewer to reassess everything they thought they knew about the story.
In conclusion, "Contratiempo" is a tightly woven thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. With its intricate plot, strong performances, and a final twist that ties everything together, the film is a riveting exploration of guilt, deception, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
Top cast - Contratiempo (2016)
Trailer - Contratiempo (2016)
"Contratiempo" (2016), known in English as "The Invisible Guest", directed by Oriol Paulo, is a Spanish thriller that grips the audience from the first scene and doesn't let go until its final, breathtaking moments. This film is a masterclass in suspense, storytelling, and the art of the plot twist. With a narrative that unfolds like a meticulously crafted puzzle, "Contratiempo" is a cinematic experience that both challenges and entertains its viewers.
The story centers on Adrián Doria, a successful businessman who finds himself in a nightmarish scenario: waking up next to his dead lover in a locked hotel room, with no memory of how he got there. The plot thickens as Doria, played with compelling intensity by Mario Casas, engages the services of Virginia Goodman, a top defense lawyer portrayed by Ana Wagener. Their dynamic forms the backbone of the film, as they delve into the intricacies of the case, unraveling layers of deceit and manipulation.
One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to maintain tension and suspense throughout. Director Oriol Paulo skillfully weaves past and present, truth and lies, until the audience is left questioning everything. The cinematography and score complement the narrative perfectly, creating an atmosphere that is both claustrophobic and expansive, reflecting the inner turmoil of the characters and the vastness of their deceit.
However, "Contratiempo" is more than just a thriller. It is a deep dive into the human psyche, exploring themes of guilt, responsibility, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. The film's complex characters, especially Adrián and Virginia, are not merely pawns in a plot-driven game but are fully realized individuals whose decisions and moral compasses drive the story forward.
The climax of "Contratiempo" is a testament to Oriol Paulo's brilliance as a storyteller. The final twist is both surprising and satisfying, a rare feat in a genre that often relies on shock value over coherence. This ending forces the audience to reevaluate everything they have seen, making the film a rewarding experience for both casual viewers and cinephiles alike.
In conclusion, "Contratiempo" is a standout film in the thriller genre. Its intricate plot, combined with strong performances and expert direction, makes it a must-watch. Oriol Paulo has crafted a film that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on its audience. "Contratiempo" is a reminder of the power of cinema to captivate, challenge, and ultimately, reveal the invisible truths that lie within us all.