This not Hollywood. The story is not spoon-fed, and is absent of repetitive clues of what's happening or coming to accommodate the easily distracted.
Breaking multiple stereotypes, the film updates the roles and behaviors of the film-noir classics to modern times. Yet, it still evokes the dark, raw stories and environments where unpolished characters struggle with, but adopting and adapting to, corruption and other social problems. The complicated tough guy is not handsome or a man, the "attractive dame" is not a girl, and other characters are not exactly who one may expect -- in part, because the film is socially inclusive, more realistic, unlike much of Hollywood, and other Mexican films "white-washed" socially and racially, probably to appeal to international markets -- in this case, like the US.
The film is over two hours long, but I did not notice, as I followed the twists and tried to solve the puzzle. An added realism in this story is that, without making it a point or a shock device, it includes alternative sexuality characters -- an ever present part of society that even classic film noirs were forced to barely hint about.
The film has its flaws, as often independent low-budget flicks do. In part because of its inclusion, absent in most Mexican films, many actors show inexperience, but the team makes the story work. The last part becomes somewhat rushed and not well edited. But all this is easily forgiven by those who can appreciate a very involving and original story that gives a glimpse of a world not accessible to most of us. I am very glad I saw it.
