Amazon Prime Video premiered nahir, the film that narrates in a fictional way the case of Nahir Galarza and the murder of Fernando Pastorizzo. The filmmakers’ caution seems to have been the predominant factor throughout the production.
To begin with, there was no avant premiere, red carpet, press conferences or the usual promotional interviews that this type of bombastic premieres usually have.
The platform directly uploaded the title to its catalog, and made it available in 240 countries, with practically no promotional campaign.
At the beginning of the film, after the phrase “based on real events” is followed by another warning that seems like a legal safeguard warning that “any similarity” of the fictionalization “is for dramatic purposes.” And in this plan it is understood that they have changed Fernando’s name to Federico (played by Simón Hempe).
The story is told from Nahir’s point of view (by Valentina Zenere) in a time period that goes between 2015 and 2022. That is, from when the teenager from Gualeguaychú with ambitions to become queen of the carnival turned 15 until who became the youngest woman to receive a life prison sentence (35 years) in Argentina.
one-dimensional story
The narrative comes and goes constantly fashbacks that reveal the bond between Nahir and Federico, in what could be perfectly defined as a toxic couple. They attracted and rejected each other in equal measure, causing jealousy and abuse on a permanent basis, but they were unable to sever their bond. That is perhaps the film’s greatest strength.
Because the rest is hinted at but without depth. The story in general, and certain characters in particular, is even wasted, such as the limited participation of Mónica Antonópulos as Nahír’s mother.
Yes, there is a further hint of detail in the relationship with his father, played effectively by César Bordón as a cold, somewhat dark and manipulative police officer.
But little else is known about that family, its history and context, in a small town that, as such, seems to be a big hell.
The entire story gently navigates in these waters, taking chronologically what happened on the fateful night of the young man’s death (in the two versions that Nahir Galarza ended up giving in court), the trial, and the late confrontation of the perpetrator against her father.
Correct from all technical aspects and in the performances in general, the drama has no stridency but no high points either.
It is the story of a very harsh police incident that caught media attention due to its morbidity, but which was carefully presented here.
Faced with a glassy and delicate subject such as this judicial case in Argentine society (plus the ideas and twists it had), the film chose to be respectful – welcome -, although perhaps that is why it turned out to be cold, lacking emotional fiber, and ends up paying dearly.
To see
nahir (Argentina/2024).
Rating: Good
Director: Hernán Guerschuny.
Idea and production: Lucas Jinkis.
Screenplay: Sofía Wilhelmi.
Photography: Nicolás Trovato.
Music: Loishka.
Cast: Valentina Zenere, César Bordón, Mónica Antonópulos, Simón Hempe, Nacho Gadano.
Duration: 114 minutes.
On Amazon Prime Video.
