Demanding narratives call for assertive filmmaking, and Hurricane Season, a fresh addition to Mexican cinema, confidently follows this trajectory.
Adapted from Fernanda Melchor’s novel of the same name, the film sets out to deliver a raw and intense experience, distinct from my previous review of A Deadly Invitation, another Mexican creation.
Hurricane Season is approximately a hundred minutes in length. On paper, it isn’t as strong as you’d expect.
However, judging a book by its cover has never been a wise decision.
Keep reading my review to ascertain whether this one is for you or not.
Hurricane Season Synopsis
A group of teens discovers the dead body of an ill-famed witch, triggering a dive into the past of a small town.
Things get interesting when a young lady walks into the police station to testify about a murder.
Directed by Elisa Miller and features Andres Cordaz (Luismi), Kat Rigoni (Norma), Guss Morales (Munra), Paloma Alvamar (Yesenia), Ernesto Melendez (Brando), and others.
Hurricane Season: Positives
In the embryonic stages, I found it hard to grasp the idea behind Hurricane Season. I even thought of skipping the film altogether.
Maybe, I wasn’t focused enough to understand the plot. So, instead of dropping out, I decided to restart it.
Keeping the negative sides for the latter part of my review, the positives were more profound this time around.
The creators present a deceptively simple tale centered around the murder of an infamous witch in a small village.
Her lifeless body, discovered in a lake by children, becomes a macabre playground for eerie insects and pests.
At first glance, this narrative may appear to be a typical murder mystery, but the storytelling elevates it to a dark enigma so enthralling that it compels you to watch the entire film to unveil its ultimate truth.
It’s an intricate execution of a seemingly straightforward concept, brought to life through clever screen transitions.
Without this creative touch, Hurricane Season might have risked being just another run-of-the-mill movie.
So, it’s worth noting that initial confusion is quite probable, but the key to enjoying this flick is to allow it to settle and let the characters take shape.
Moreover, the storyline proves surprisingly solid, with every twist making logical sense and seamlessly connecting the narrative threads.
The diegetic world of Hurricane Season remains refreshingly devoid of distracting layers, such as excessive drama, overblown romance, or tired clichés.
It’s commendable how the film addresses issues of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, adding depth and resonance to the story, thanks in part to its source material.
The movie gives its characters and plot lines the required impetus so they can flourish irrespective of time constraints.
While the screenplay may have some inconsistencies, it effectively guides the narrative to its conclusion.
Lastly, I think Hurricane Season’s non-flamboyant approach is its backbone, putting it in the category of ‘underrated films.’
Evaluating the Performances
Hurricane Season has more team performances than individual ones. It is because the screen time is segregated character-wise.
Andres Cordaz, in his role as Luismi, stands out alongside Ernesto Melendez and Guss Morales, forming a tightly-knit trio.
What sets them apart is their restraint, as none of the three attempts to steal the spotlight.
Instead, they skillfully remain within their character’s boundaries, in harmony with the reserved nature of Hurricane Season.
Cordaz’s nuanced expressions, Melendez’s evocation of a negative aura, and Morales’ gritty demeanor are all noteworthy aspects of their performances.
Kat Rigoni portrays Norma, and she can also be counted alongside Andres. Her vulnerable mien is satiable for the whole unit.
She augments the impact of Hurricane Season’s objective-based plot.
Paloma Alvamar is outstanding as Yesenia. She acts with conviction, infusing all of her skills to perfect the individual’s traits.
Hurricane Season: Downsides
Unfortunately, one of the aspects that doesn’t quite hit the mark in Hurricane Season is the camera work.
It lacks the finesse and precision one would expect.
The Director of Photography could have made more thoughtful choices regarding camera angles, as some scenes feel cropped, diverting the focus from the intended character speaking.
While varying the perspective is a valid filmmaking technique, doing it too frequently risks leaving the audience disconnected from the subject matter, which can be considered a lapse in judgment on the DoP’s part.
Furthermore, the attempt to make the narration intriguing by allocating specific portions to different characters is a commendable idea.
However, it can come across as somewhat ambiguous for certain viewers.
Stream or Skip?
Go for it. Hurricane Season can be an enticing watch for the weekend.
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