Film Review 'Wild Tales'

Ironies, coincidences and bad behavior collide in the explosive new film, "Wild Tales." And wild they are ... beyond all expectations. So much so, you will find yourself laughing at truly disturbing conduct.

Argentinean director Damian Szifron has structured this very dark comedy into six separate and unique sequences. The first is set aboard a commercial airliner. As one passenger converses with a stranger across the aisle, the two discover that they have something in common. What transpires will hit you like a punch in the gut. But you're hooked.

The second takes place in a deserted diner as a lone customer arrives. The young waitress recognizes him as a "gangster" who destroyed her family. The shady cook urges her to put rat poison in his food. All hell breaks loose but not as one might expect.

Installment number three deals with two men on a lonely highway who engage in some grizzly and gory road rage. As the violence escalates it's nearly impossible to quell uncontrollable laughter. Some advice: Try not to be the only in the audience doing so. You should catch this film. It's mind-blowing!

Episode four is an "ode to anarchy." When an explosives engineer takes revenge on the bureaucratic insanity of civil servants it's beautiful to behold. Chapter five also deals with government officials of another ilk attempting to negotiate a bribe with a wealthy businessman whose son has committed murder via a hit-and-run. It's outcome will leave you gasping for air.

As you are left reeling, the sixth vignette thrusts us into a joyous wedding reception that soon turns horribly bloody when the bride learns of her new hubby's infidelity. Most of it plays out on the dance floor amongst bewildered guests. This particular ending allows us to catch our breath.

Szifron's unusual perspectives soar on every level. From his brilliant camerawork to spot-on scoring, "Wild Tales" is a thrill to watch. We never know what's lurking around the corner and can't get enough. He comments that there is "an undeniable pleasure of losing control." And also makes it quite clear that revenge can be so very sweet even if sordid.