Selva trágica

Kind of mystery type Film waiting and watching for some unknown things to happen.

A Belizean woman, Agnes, heads out into the jungle to escape an arrange marriage. Near the border with Mexico she encounters a group of workers who initially treat her kindly and with respect. However, over time their desires complicate proceedings and Agnes becomes an object of lust. While seemingly innocent, Agnes is far from vulnerable.

A film that promised much. The initial plot suggested a theme of female empowerment and generally freedom from oppression. The encounter with the workers leads to simmering sexual tension and a thought that Agnes is not safe anymore. This all makes for an intriguing set up to the plot.

However, the film never really takes off. The tension is drawn out to the nth degree without any real progress in the story. Moreover, the film goes from psychological thriller to supernatural drama, definitely a step down.

In the end it just fizzles out, rather than ends saying anything profound or being entertaining. Quite disappointing.

A mysterious thriller set in the Mexican /Belize rain forest circa 1920. Two Belize/English speaking women in white are on the run from their English master, Cacique, (not a very English name?) Florence is a nurse, Agnes appears to be an intended bride. Cacique and is men catch up with them and kill the man who helped them escape, the women are shot and left for dead. Agnes however survives and wanders into the jungle, where she is found by a crew of gum harvesters. Amongst the men Agnes arouses their desires and as they decide to make a run for the border with their haul of gum they become paranoid that their boss will track them down and kill them. Is it the jungle and nature playing on their minds or are they bewitched by Agnes?, A Mayan voice over tells us about the dangers of the jungle and the mythical legend of Xtabay, a Demon woman who lures men to their death. The atmosphere of the jungle is claustrophobic and lends itself to some wonderful cinematography, it's full of wild animals and tension , a fittingly haunting score plays up the tension some more. It's actually almost a horror film but maybe too subtle for most people's definition?. The actors are pretty good and even though Agnes is a very laconic character, Indira Rubie Andrewin exudes mysteriousness. A film that might inspire you to look up Xtabay on Wikipedia, as it did me.

With perfect photography, tense music and sound, good direction and tropical reminisces to Coppola's "APOCALYPSE NOW" and Malick's "THE THIN RED LINE", this is, undoubtedly, a must see film.

The film is extremely slow mode. But, it's like the jungle, seems to be calm, yet violent. You may say "Damn" from time to time. Totally experimental movie. Not everybody's cup of coffee.