THE CLAN (EL CLAN) World Cinema

Director Pablo Trapero returns to AFI FEST for a third time with his most outlandish tale yet. Following the real-life exploits of the notorious Puccios, THE CLAN tells the story of how a normal working-class family concocted a vicious plan to kidnap and heavily ransom select members of Argentina’s upper class. With killer period details and a rollicking, inspired soundtrack, THE CLAN takes its audience on an odyssey of energetic violence underscored by the powerful bond of family. Trapero has a keen eye for detail and captures incredible performances from his cast, none more so than in leading man Guillermo Francella’s turn as a terrifyingly charismatic psychopath. Trapero nails this incredible true story, as evidenced by the film’s wildly successful domestic box-office run: it had the strongest opening-day release ever for an Argentine film in Argentina. THE CLAN is also the country’s official submission for the 2016 Best Foreign-Language Film Oscar®. —Lane Kneedler