The Aura – Review

After a strange opening scene, we begin on a Wednesday for taxidermist Esteban Espinosa (Darín). He touches up the skeleton, crafts alive looking eyes, stuffs the body and stitches up a stuffed fox coat to finish his animal representation. What fun. That day he is called to the local museum where he delivers his foxes and chats with his industry acquaintance Sontag (Awada).

The duo hit the bank for a deposit, and Esteban shows off a hidden talent. Spotting two guards carrying bags of cash he begins to play a “game.” How much cash are these men carrying? What is the best plan for relieving them of this cash and getting away scot-free? Esteban figures this is pay day tomorrow. Each bag probably holds $100,000, and it’s brought in the day before it goes out for employees. Hell, there’s an old guard not even looking. It would be so easy for a couple of armed bandits to swoop in and get away, as it’s all in the timing. A couple of handcuffs, a cut alarm and telephone cord, a quick collection of funds.

This would really only take a few minutes if done by professionals, BUT, this is just a fantasy and a game. Esteban loves the meticulous planning and insight he gets when near large sources of money, and never stops analyzing ways to pull of heists. An interesting past time.

Tomorrow however Sontag is going hunting down south, and presents a different kind of game for Esteban. Join him on the trek through the woods, and the thrill of the chase. Sontag’s pal Aguirre got sick like a pansy, and had to drop out, so there’s an extra reservation. Not being into hunting doesn’t dissuade Esteban from finally agreeing to the adventure, as it’s a change in the routine at least.

Thursday. Hunt day. The men hit their lodge in the woods only to find it’s full up with an event, and there’s not a single free bed in the whole valley. People are coming from everywhere, and Sontag didn’t make any reservation (as he never has to usually). The lodge owner suggests “Dietrich’s cabins” as an alternative, a local who takes people hunting, and stuff.

So, here we have an intriguing setup. The interesting Esteban, plotting and planning and out of his element in the forest, and a seasoned hunter Sontag, ready to bag a deer and trek deep into the hunting territory no one usually treads to. Add in some uneasy tensions, and an oppressive feeling of impending doom, and you have a saucy atmosphere.

The hard to anticipate script is quality, and moves methodically while maintaining some elements of mystery and danger. We don’t really know our characters very well, and learning who they are brings interesting twists. The actors likely enjoyed their roles considering they did a very good job realizing their nuanced characters. The plot has plenty of turns and while it moves slowly it keeps the viewer engaged.

Visually it is nicely shot and presented with pleasing nature scenery woven into the dark and winding tale. Colors are a bit muted, or at least were in the print that I watched, but it still has a strong look and natural feel. If you can handle slower burn criminal plots then look for The Aura as this film is well acted, written and directed.