The Clan

      This new foreign crime drama is based on the true story of the Puccio family who kidnapped and murdered people in Argentina in the 1980's. The patriarch, Arquimedes  finds himself unemployed and turns to a life of crime. He enlists the aid of his wife and sons, keeping his two daughters oblivious to the new family business.

       The film starts slowly and is a bit confusing and erratic at first but it does settle down to riveting story anchored by an unforgettable performance by Guillermo Francella. Mr. Francella is ice cold as he goes about the business of kidnapping and murder while playing the loving husband and father. His eldest son, Alejandro, played by Peter Lanzani, is torn between his love and dedication for his father and family and a chance to start a new life with his girlfriend, Monica. 

         The film has a great score and terrific soundtrack that fuels the action. The relationship between father and son is powerful and engaging. Without knowing the outcome, the drama will hold your attention until the very end. The film is in Spanish with subtitles but you don't need to understand the language to feel the emotional suspense of a family torn apart by violence of their own design.