The Invisible Guest (2016)

Although I don't join every week as I used to, I love Wandering Through the Shelves' series Thursday Movie Picks, for two reasons: first, it challenges me and it's fun to read what other bloggers have picked; second, I discover so many gems because of it. The Insivible Guest (Spanish: Contratiempo), picked by the host a few weeks ago for non-English language week, is one of those. 

The film follows Adrián Doria (Mario Casas), a wealthy young businessman who was arrested after he was found in a hotel room with his dead lover, Laura Vidal (Bárbara Lennie). As his lawyer (Francesc Orella) is away working on the case, Adrián is suggested to meet with Virginia Goodman (Ana Wagener), a veteran lawyer who is an expert in building defences for trials. He does as he's told and has 180 minutes to tell her about all the events that led to his arrest so that she can convince the jury he's innocent. 

The plot is absolutely incredible. Although it didn't really convince me at first as it seemed to have too many plot points in common with other thrillers, as it really started to develop, the plot became something of its own, so full of twists, some more predictable than others, that will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the truth. It's the kind of plot that really challenges its audience. It is gripping and compelling and filled with tension, so much so that it barely leaves you time to breathe; and the jumps back and forth between the several timelines are executed brilliantly. 

The Invisible Guest has some pretty compelling characters as well. Although they could have used more complexity as Adrián is only depicted as self-absorbed, selfish and remorseless, and doesn't really have a redeeming quality, and we don't know enough of Laura to understand why Adrián is so fascinated by this femme fatale, they are interesting and absorbing.

Warner Bros. Pictures, Film Factory Entertainment

The performances, too, are great. Mario Casas does an excellent job as Adrián. He gives such an intense performance that really draws you in, scene by scene, and, despite the lack of a positive side, you'll end up on his side. Ana Wagener too does a great job as Virginia Goodman. Also, Casas and Wagener deliver the dialogue between their characters in such a way to build even more suspense. 

The camera work is also pretty impressive and the music fits every scene and contributes to making the film even more thrilling.