Okay, let's rewind the tape. While technically landing just as the new millennium dawned in 2000, Fabián Bielinsky's debut feature, Nine Queens (Spanish: Nueve Reinas), possesses the sharp plotting, character-driven tension, and lived-in grit that feels perfectly at home on the shelves of "VHS Heaven". This isn't a flashy effects-driven piece; it's a meticulously crafted confidence game thriller that belongs alongside the smartest crime dramas of the 80s and 90s, the kind you'd eagerly grab based on a compelling cover or a friend's whispered recommendation at the video store counter. It arrived just as DVD was taking hold, but its spirit? Pure, distilled late-night VHS discovery.
The Streets Are Watching
The film plunges us directly into the bustling, slightly grimy energy of Buenos Aires. It’s not the postcard version; it’s the city of hurried footsteps, quick glances, and opportunities glimpsed in crowded cafes and anonymous hotel lobbies. This authenticity is key. We witness a minor convenience store scam executed by the young, relatively green Juan (Gastón Pauls) go slightly awry, only for him to be unexpectedly bailed out by Marcos (Ricardo Darín), a seasoned, cynical veteran of the con. This chance encounter, born of shared dishonesty, sparks an unlikely, temporary partnership. Marcos, needing a quick replacement for his usual partner, sees potential (or perhaps just exploitable desperation) in Juan. And just like that, they're swept into a potential score far bigger than either anticipated: the sale of counterfeit rare stamps, the titular "Nine Queens," to a wealthy collector facing imminent deportation.
A Masterclass in Misdirection
What unfolds is less about the mechanics of the con itself – though those are cleverly constructed – and more about the intricate dance of trust and suspicion between these two men, and everyone they encounter. Bielinsky, who also penned the sharp screenplay, directs with an assured, unfussy style. He trusts his actors and his script, letting the tension build through dialogue, subtle shifts in expression, and the ever-present feeling that nothing is quite what it seems. The camera often feels observational, placing us right there in the thick of it, trying to decipher motivations alongside Juan. Is Marcos truly mentoring him, or just using him as a pawn? Who can be trusted in this ecosystem of grifters, pickpockets, and desperate individuals clinging to the edges of legitimacy? The city itself feels like an accomplice, its indifferent hustle providing cover for countless hidden agendas.
The Players Make the Game
The film rests squarely on the shoulders of its two leads, and they are magnificent. Ricardo Darín, already a star in Argentina but launched into greater international recognition by this role (which earned him the Argentine Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor), is magnetic as Marcos. He embodies the weariness and predatory charm of a man who has survived by reading people and exploiting their weaknesses. There's a coiled energy beneath his smooth-talking exterior, a hint of desperation masked by professional cool. In stark contrast, Gastón Pauls brings a compelling vulnerability to Juan. He's not entirely innocent – he's a willing participant, after all – but his moral compass seems less shattered, his motivations perhaps more tied to genuine need (caring for his family) than pure greed. The chemistry between them is palpable; their guarded interactions form the film's compelling core. Leticia Brédice also makes a strong impression as Valeria, Marcos's estranged sister, caught uncomfortably in the orbit of his schemes, adding another layer of complicated history and potential betrayal.
Retro Fun Facts: The Low-Budget Hustle
- Nine Queens was famously made on a relatively tight budget (around $1.5 million USD). Bielinsky, in his feature debut, stretched every peso, using practical locations and focusing on performance and script over elaborate set pieces. This constraint arguably enhances the film's realism.
- Its success was phenomenal, especially domestically in Argentina where it became a cultural touchstone, winning seven Silver Condor awards (Argentina's equivalent of the Oscars), including Best Film and Best Director. It grossed over $12 million worldwide – a fantastic return on investment.
- The film’s cleverness wasn't lost on Hollywood. It inspired a US remake, Criminal (2004), starring John C. Reilly, Diego Luna, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. While a decent film in its own right, it arguably lacked the specific cultural texture and simmering intensity of the original.
- Bielinsky reportedly spent years developing the script, meticulously plotting the twists and turns. Tragically, he passed away suddenly in 2006 after directing only one more film, the equally compelling thriller El Aura (2005), also starring Darín. His small but potent filmography leaves you wondering what other gems he might have given us.
The Lingering Doubt
(Mild Spoiler Warning Ahead regarding thematic elements, not the final twist): As the central con involving the "Nine Queens" stamps escalates, encountering complications and unexpected players, the film brilliantly keeps you guessing. Every interaction feels loaded, every setback potentially orchestrated. It taps into that universal anxiety: are we seeing the whole picture, or just the part someone wants us to see? The economic backdrop of Argentina at the time subtly informs the characters' desperation, adding a layer of social commentary beneath the slick thriller surface. What does it take for ordinary people to cross ethical lines when survival feels precarious?
The film culminates in a series of revelations that are both surprising and, in retrospect, perfectly seeded. It doesn't just pull the rug out; it makes you question the very floorboards you were standing on.
Final Verdict
Nine Queens is a superbly crafted thriller that relies on brains, atmosphere, and stellar performances rather than explosions or excessive style. It's a reminder of how compelling cinema can be when focused on intricate plotting and the fascinating complexities of human behaviour – especially dishonesty. Ricardo Darín gives a career-defining performance, and Fabián Bielinsky announced himself as a major talent tragically taken too soon. It’s the kind of smart, satisfying film that rewards attention and lingers long after the credits roll, making you reconsider every interaction you just witnessed.
Rating: 9/10
Justification: The near-perfect execution of the tightly woven plot, the outstanding performances from Darín and Pauls, Bielinsky's confident direction, and the palpable atmosphere make this a standout. It loses a single point perhaps only because its low-key, grounded style might not satisfy those seeking purely high-octane thrills, but for lovers of intelligent crime cinema, it's essential.
Final Thought: It's a film that reminds you that sometimes the most intricate games aren't played on a board, but on the streets, with trust as the most fragile currency. A true gem worth seeking out, whether you first found it on a dusty VHS, an early DVD, or are discovering it anew today.