Title: Museo (2018)
Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios
Runtime: 2 hours 8 minutes
Watched via: Free public screening at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
IMDB synopsis: In 1985, a group of criminals mock the security of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City to extract 140 pre-Hispanic pieces from their showcases.
Christmas Eve 1985, the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is robbed, and 140 pieces are missing. This much we know to be true, but how it happened and what happened afterwards is all up to you. Because why let the truth get in the way of a good story…
Juan Nuñez (Gael García Bernal) is the black sheep of his family. A veterinarian student with no graduation date in sight, Juan marches to the beat of his own drum. While he longs for his family’s attention and respect, he has also accepted things for what they are and is ready to leave his family and town behind. Tired of waiting for his time to come, he hatches a plan to make his time now with the help of his friend Wilson (Leonardo Ortizgris).
While the first third or so of the film takes a bit to find its groove, the family dinner scenes are arguably some of the film’s best. Once the heist takes place things pick up and the pacing improves. Juan and Wilson soon begin to wonder if the heist of “priceless” artifacts was worth all of the trouble they are now faced with. How will they escape capture? Where will they go to sell the artifacts and cash in on their hard work? A comedy of errors begins to unfold as we get the answers to those questions.
The cinematography from Damián García is unique but in a fun and engaging way. Your eyes remain drawn to the screen regardless of what is actually taking place. The writing is clever enough to keep things light while also drawing at your heartstrings. And Gael García Bernal delivers in a rare lighter role as Juan Nuñez, where he shines in the comedic scenes and does what he does best in the more dramatic scenes.
What makes Museo even more fun is the entire time the story is unfolding, you are sitting there wondering how it actually played out. If you are a fan of Gael García Bernal or comedic crime capers, you will enjoy Museo. It is currently available to stream for free on Kanopy, is a $2.99 rental on Vudu, and a $3.99 rental on Amazon and Apple.
Have you seen Museo? What were your thoughts on it? Let me know in the comments below or by reaching out on social media and telling me “I’ve Scene That!”