Cadejo Blanco

When Sarita’s (Karen Martínez) sister doesn’t come home after a night out in writer-director Justin Lerner’s Cadejo Blanco, she suspects that her sister’s gangster ex, Andrés (Rudy Rodríguez), has something to do with her disappearance after she sees them arguing. With the police refusing to help her, Sarita decides to take matters into her own hands by following Andrés and infiltrating the gang that he’s part of in hopes of finding answers. However, she quickly finds herself becoming increasingly involved in the gang’s criminal activities in this slow-burn crime drama.

Martínez is nothing short of outstanding in the leading role. So much of this film rests entirely on her nonverbal performances. Whether it’s her staring silently at the gang’s boss, trying to act tough while he menacingly looks her over, or a particularly powerful scene where she breaks down in tears in the shower, her struggle to blend into this world of violence makes for compelling viewing. The rest of the cast likewise give strong performances throughout, with an extra layer of verisimilitude being added due to Lerner casting some actors who have had past gang affiliations in their lives.

The gradual approach to Sarita’s search for her sister leads to some wonderfully tense sequences. One standout sees her pose as a prostitute to lure a rival gang leader (Juan Pablo Olyslager) to his death. Olyslager’s domineering presence is a reminder of the danger Sarita is in where the slightest suspicion of her ruse will result in her death. The threat of her being discovered is the driving force behind the drama. However, its effectiveness starts to diminish towards the latter half.

The questions surrounding the protagonist’s missing sister are pushed into the background as she becomes more involved with the gang. It’s not until the feature reaches the final act that some clues about what happened to the sibling are revealed, all of which culminates in a memorable scene in a barbershop. It’s at this point, though, where the momentum that’s been carrying events forward begins to dwindle until the flick reaches an underwhelming finale.

Cadejo Blanco is a taut slow-burn drama that’s led by a phenomenal turn from Martínez in the starring role. Although a disappointing ending leaves something to be desired, the filmmaker’s portrayal of Guatemalan gang life makes for an arresting setting to a captivating character study.

Andrew Murray

Cadejo Blanco is released in select cinemas on 23^rd August 2024.

Watch the trailer for Cadejo Blanco here: