Set in Mexico City, Carlos Reygadas's sexually explicit drama centers on a man in turmoil over his past actions. Chauffer Marcos feels compelled to reveal a dark secret to his boss's daughter, Ana, a wealthy woman who works as a prostitute just for the thrill of it. Marcos confesses that he and his wife committed a crime that ended in horrible tragedy. Haunted by his past, Marcos searches for redemption.
Art with a capital A. Don't be afraid. OK, be a little afraid.
– Chris Vognar,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Mar 2006
rotten:
A spectacular failure, despite further evidence of the director's keen eye and bold cinematic ideas.
– G. Allen Johnson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
31 Mar 2006
rotten:
Insufferably arty, polemic and winkingly provocative.
– Michael Booth,
Denver Post,
21 Apr 2006
fresh:
Since premiering at Cannes the movie has become notorious for its shocking, emphatically unerotic sex scenes, though it's equally notable for its striking visual conceits and small moments of intense feeling.