Museo (2018)

Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios
Stars: Gael Garcia Bernal, Simon Russell Beale, Lynn Gilmartin
Runtime: 128 minutes

Synopsis: In 1985, a group of criminals mocks the security of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City to extract 140 pre-Hispanic pieces from their showcases.

Performances: 5/5
Screenplay: 5/5
Editing: 4/5
Cinematography: 4/5
Score/Soundtrack: 4/5

Verdict: "Museo" is an award-winning YouTube original movie directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios. Set in Mexico during the 1980s, it follows a couple of criminals as they pull one of the biggest heists in the Latin country's history and shows the aftermath of that heist, focusing on how it affected both protagonists and their families.

I honestly didn't really know what to expect from the movie. I mean, similar stories have been told many, many times before on the big screen, and YouTube isn't exactly known for producing quality films. But Ruizpalacios' vision managed to prove me wrong very quickly. "Museo" is one of the biggest surprises of 2018 and it saddens me that it didn't get the exposure it deserves.

The Mexican director, who also wrote the film's screenplay, shines in making what can be best described as a very lively movie with incredibly vibrant characters. Characters that were given life by magnificent performances by a determined cast led by an electric Gael Garcia Bernal. The relationships between said characters are what kept me invested in what turned out to be a more human story than I was expecting. The film's presentation also played a huge part in setting the film's half serious, half comedic tone. The cinematography and editing took me by surprise on multiple occasions and made the experience much more enjoyable and fun despite it containing a few dull moments.

I most definitely recommend checking out "Museo" as soon as possible. It's a movie that takes artistic risks that ultimately pay off, making the viewing a unique, eccentric, but also very grounded one.

FINAL GRADE: 8/10