The Delinquents Plot Summary and Review

The Delinquents Review – Hey there, movie enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the intriguing world of “The Delinquents,” a 2023 heist comedy-drama directed by the talented Rodrigo Moreno. This captivating film takes viewers on a wild ride through the streets of Buenos Aires and beyond, offering a unique blend of heist excitement and thought-provoking drama. With its world premiere at the prestigious 76th Cannes Film Festival, it’s a cinematic gem that’s worth every second of your time.

Director: Rodrigo Moreno
Starring: Daniel Elías and Esteban Bigliardi
Production: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Luxembourg
World Premiere: 76th Cannes Film Festival, 18 May 2023

Now, let’s embark on a journey through the film’s plot summary and explore the compelling elements that make “The Delinquents” a standout piece of cinema.

The Delinquents Plot Summary

Meet Morán, a bank clerk in bustling Buenos Aires. In the midst of the city’s daily hustle and bustle, he’s become almost invisible to his coworkers. However, beneath that unassuming exterior lies a daring plan that could change his life forever. Morán concocts a scheme to steal a substantial sum of money from his workplace, enough to ensure he never has to work again. The magic number: $650,000. It’s a risky move, but it promises a life free from the grind of daily employment.

Morán decides to confide in his colleague, Román, during a dinner outing. He reveals his audacious heist, which, interestingly, is double the amount he’d earn until retirement. But there’s a twist in the tale. Morán doesn’t plan to elude the law forever. Instead, he intends to turn himself in. However, he presents Román with a tempting proposition. If Román agrees to safeguard the money during Morán’s incarceration, they’ll split it upon his release. It’s an offer that could lead to unimaginable riches or irrevocable consequences.

This complex plot sets the stage for a captivating exploration of morality, ambition, and the concept of freedom. As “The Delinquents” unfolds, it takes viewers on a rollercoaster journey, blurring the lines between right and wrong, legality and deceit. With stellar performances by Daniel Elías and Esteban Bigliardi, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering how the characters’ lives will unfold in the midst of their unconventional choices.

The Delinquents Review

“The Delinquents” is more than just a heist movie; it’s a thought-provoking cinematic experiment that challenges our perspectives on life and work. In a world where daily routines often imprison us, the film poses a profound question: What if you could steal just enough to live comfortably without the need to work for the rest of your days?

Director Rodrigo Moreno takes a unique approach to the heist genre. Unlike traditional heist films that focus on high-stakes action, “The Delinquents” kicks off with a bank robbery that’s astonishingly banal. Morán’s method of stealing the money is almost mundane, emphasizing the everyday nature of the act. The film doesn’t romanticize the heist but rather portrays it as a means to an end.

As the story unfolds, we witness the characters’ journeys, both inside and outside the prison walls. While Morán faces the harsh realities of prison life, he adapts and finds a sense of purpose in his confinement. On the outside, Román is also far from leading the life he had envisioned, as suspicion and scrutiny follow him.

One of the film’s most intriguing aspects is its exploration of the notion of freedom. In a society where financial constraints often dictate our choices, “The Delinquents” suggests that escaping this system might be the path to true freedom. However, the consequences of this escape are not as simple as they seem.

Román, the character left behind to face the fallout, is thrust into a world that feels like a prison. His life becomes entangled in suspicion and anxiety. As the story progresses, we see that the desire for a life free from financial worries isn’t as straightforward as it appears.

The film’s narrative takes a fascinating turn when Román encounters Norma, a woman living an unburdened life in the countryside. Their experiences in nature mirror each other, but there’s a deeper layer to their connection. Norma serves as a guide, teaching the characters how to live authentically.

“The Delinquents” also delves into the characters’ inner lives and their pursuit of happiness. The characters, despite their differences, share a common struggle in maintaining their newfound sense of contentment.

With its beautiful cinematography and contemplative performances, the film captivates the audience from the start. However, as the story progresses, it may seem to lose sight of itself. The film’s runtime, exceeding three hours, allows for deep exploration but also leaves some existential questions unanswered.

It’s as if the film, in its pursuit of exploring freedom and the meaning of work, becomes distracted and doesn’t fully address the complexities it introduces. The characters’ quest for a rural paradise and the simplicity of life it represents is a compelling idea, but the film’s execution leaves room for a more profound exploration of these themes.

In summary, “The Delinquents” is a beguiling and surreal cinematic experience that challenges the conventional norms of heist films. It invites viewers to ponder the nature of work, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. While it may not provide all the answers, it certainly prompts us to question the choices we make in our own lives.

Is the concept of escaping the daily grind and achieving financial freedom worth the risks involved in a heist?

The film’s exploration of this question offers no easy answers. It forces us to confront the complex nature of human desires and the choices we make to achieve them. While the characters’ actions may seem extreme, they highlight the universal longing for a life less burdened by financial constraints. It prompts us to evaluate the balance between risk and reward in our own lives. Is there a middle ground where we can pursue our dreams without resorting to extreme measures? “The Delinquents” challenges us to find that equilibrium.

How does “The Delinquents” redefine the traditional heist movie genre, and what does it teach us about the pursuit of freedom?

“The Delinquents” is a breath of fresh air in the heist movie genre. It defies conventions and subverts expectations, focusing on the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters rather than flashy heist sequences. It teaches us that freedom is a multifaceted concept, not limited to escaping prison or societal norms. True freedom, as depicted in the film, is about living authentically and finding contentment within ourselves.

In conclusion, “The Delinquents” is a must-see film that challenges our perceptions of work, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s a surreal and thought-provoking journey that defies genre norms and prompts us to question the choices we make in our own lives. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let “The Delinquents” take you on a wild and philosophical ride through the complexities of human ambition and desire.

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