In a movie that's less than ninety minutes long, a somewhat unfortunate portion of the length is devoted wholly to introducing the many characters that play a part in the story. All the while, the movie is filled with a frank overabundance of dialogue - up until the 40 minute mark, hardly a second goes by that isn't defined by conversation between characters. Thankfully, though the script continues to be overbearing, thereafter the narrative begins in earnest, with ill-doings and mounting intrigue. 'La muerte ronda a Monica,' or 'Death haunts Monica,' isn't the most captivating thriller in the world, but it's duly entertaining all the same.
Poor Monica is little more than a pawn as those around her make plays for money and power. Why, to some extent the film reminds of a Lifetime original movie - the hapless housewife, a web of lies and deceit, a growing body count. I think the editing and sequencing leaves a bit to be desired, as the resulting picture bears a certain unfortunate inelegance in its presentation. Adolfo Waitzman's score is a bit curious, bearing instrumentation and chords that seem strikingly different from similar features, but ultimately it's quite suitable. Overemphasis on dialogue aside, there's nothing particularly remarkable about the screenplay, yet Juan José Alonso Millán's writing is deft enough to keep us guessing until the very end how it's all going to play out. That so much of the plot is left to be revealed at the climax is a little off-putting, and the curtness of the ending no less so. Yet otherwise the movie is sufficiently sound to allay such consternation.
While the plot is a bit intricate, the character writing generally is not, and for the most part the cast fill roles that feel as though they're pretty well predefined. That's not to say that anyone performs poorly; on the contrary, I think everyone illustrates able skill to bring their characters to life. Still, only the title figure is conjured with an especial measure of complexity, and star Nadiuska demonstrates fine range and physicality in realizing the beleaguered woman.
There's not much more to be said. It's rough around the edges, and imperfect, but this is enjoyable enough. There are certainly more worthy thrillers out there, but if you happen to come across 'La muerte ronda a Monica,' it's not a bad way to spend eighty minutes.
