The confrontational and provocative “One Night With Adela” is the type of film that’s so distressing, you’ll never forget it. This gutsy and bold work from writer-director Hugo Ruíz features a chilling lead performance from Laura Galán and feels like its primary mission is to cause discomfort in audiences. This movie isn’t for everyone, but the sheer ambition and audacity of Ruíz to hit the gas full throttle and push his story to the limits is something that’s admirable, if flawed.
Adela (Galán) is a street sweeper in Madrid who works the graveyard shift. Her job doesn’t require much skill, and she passes the time listening to music and calling into her favorite late night radio show. Tonight is different: Adela has had enough. Fed up, she confesses to the radio host that she has planned to do someone harm tonight and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop her from carrying out her plan.
The violence first starts when Adela is harassed by a car full of men while walking home from work and a creep tries to rob her. Assaulted, she fights back. Ruíz keeps his camera by the character’s side, which makes it feel as if you’re right there with her as she fights off a violent attacker and prevents a rape. As the opening scene, this is an absolute shocker that sets the bleak tone of what is to follow. Ruíz’s decision to keep his camera close and tight is effective throughout the film, as it’s stressful to see events unfold in real time. It’s like you’re ridding shotgun with a front row seat next to a woman who is having a complete mental breakdown.
Ruíz has a real knack for directing twisting, disturbing scenes. He’s skilled at the art of shock value and tension, with horrifying visuals that are both revolting and beautiful. Everything about his storytelling is effective, and the script ends in a huge payoff that’s worth every second. There are thoughtful and complex themes of trauma, depression, bullying, abuse, and religion, and the anticipation as to where the story is going will keep you on edge.
The film has a lot of filler, with long scenes of Adela walking around the city, consuming mass quantities of drugs, and driving while listening to a blaring music soundtrack. At least 20 minutes of the film’s run time is unnecessary, but it still manages to stay interesting. In other words, flaws be damned.
It’s shocking that this is the debut feature for Ruíz, a filmmaker with a natural talent and visual storytelling. “One Night With Adela” is a disturbing, violent, and furious tale of revenge-fueled rampage that will stay with you for a long, long time.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 