KILL ME TENDER (HAZ CON MIGO LO QUE QUIERAS) Latin Cinema Series

Ingrid Rubio shines as a troubled young woman with a Circe-like ability to enchant men, even as she struggles to find her place in the world. Writer/director Ramon de Espana deftly weaves comedy and tragedy in this twisted meditation on love.

A recent widower agrees to hire his maid’s daughter, only to find himself falling in love with her. Spurning his advances, Maribel travels to Barcelona to visit her hooker sister, where she meets excitable lunk Manolo. Sparks fly, and Maribel’s restless nature has her convince Manolo they can score big if she accepts a proposal from the frail widower. The inevitable complications arise, culminating in Maribel’s realization that she is not interested in a settled life.

Rubia’s stellar performance is aided by the charming Alberto San Juan and a cast of supporting characters worthy of Almodovar or Solondz. Director de Espana’s roving camera and kinetic pacing highlight the mercurial nature of relationships and the relentless forward motion of life.