The Untamed (2016, Mexico) - Movie Review

Directed by: Amat Escalante

Starring: Ruth Ramos, Simone Bucio, Jesús Meza, Eden Villavicencio

Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama

Amat Escalante’s The Untamed (La Región Salvaje) is a bold and provocative mix of social realism and cosmic horror, blending intimate human drama with surreal and unsettling science fiction. This Mexican film explores complex themes such as sexual desire, societal oppression, and the boundaries of human relationships, all centered around a mysterious extraterrestrial creature that provides both pleasure and destruction.

Plot Overview

The story follows Alejandra (Ruth Ramos), a struggling wife and mother in a small Mexican town, whose life unravels when her brother, Fabián (Eden Villavicencio), and her husband, Ángel (Jesús Meza), become entangled with Verónica (Simone Bucio), a woman who introduces them to an alien entity hidden in the woods. This creature, capable of fulfilling physical desires, also unleashes chaos, revealing deep-seated issues of repression, hypocrisy, and violence in their lives.

The narrative juxtaposes everyday struggles—homophobia, toxic masculinity, and societal judgment—with the otherworldly presence of the alien, creating a unique allegory for human fragility and obsession.

Strengths

1. Unique Blend of Genres:
   Escalante masterfully combines sci-fi, horror, and social realism. The eerie alien subplot is used to explore deeper societal issues, such as gender roles, repression, and sexual freedom, while also delving into primal fears.

2. Themes of Pleasure and Pain:
   The film examines the complex interplay between desire and suffering. The alien, which provides pleasure to women and pain to men, serves as a metaphor for societal inequities and suppressed human desires.

3. Strong Visuals and Atmosphere:
   Escalante’s use of low-key lighting and muted colors creates an atmosphere of dread and tension. The fog-shrouded woods and the minimalist design of the alien creature amplify the film’s haunting tone.

4. Fearless Direction:
   Escalante’s willingness to push boundaries—both visually and narratively—gives The Untamed a distinctive voice in modern genre cinema. Its blend of intimacy and grotesque spectacle evokes comparisons to works like Possession and Under the Skin.

Weaknesses

1. Slow Pacing:
   The deliberate pacing may alienate some viewers. While it allows the tension to simmer, the plot sometimes feels sluggish, especially during its quieter moments.

2. Ambiguity and Accessibility:
   The film’s layered symbolism and minimal exposition make it challenging to grasp fully on a single viewing. Some may find its abstract storytelling too elusive or unsettling.

3. Alien Concept:
   While the alien is central to the narrative, its vague nature and symbolic function may leave viewers divided, particularly those expecting a more traditional sci-fi or horror experience.

Themes and Social Commentary

At its heart, The Untamed critiques societal norms, particularly in rural Mexico. It addresses the shame surrounding sexuality, the repression of women’s desires, and the consequences of toxic masculinity. The creature acts as both a literal and metaphorical disruptor, exposing the characters’ vulnerabilities and hypocrisies. Escalante’s critique of homophobia and gender inequities gives the film an additional layer of social relevance.

Conclusion

The Untamed is a daring and deeply unsettling film that defies easy categorization. Its unique combination of human drama and cosmic horror makes it a standout work of genre cinema. While its abstract narrative and slow pacing may not appeal to everyone, its bold themes and striking visuals ensure a lasting impact.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Recommended for: Fans of experimental cinema, sci-fi horror enthusiasts, and viewers seeking thought-provoking social commentary.