Guillermo del Toro has done wonders during his relatively short but rich filmography. He's given us some of the most unique comic-book movies, breathtaking fantasy-horror, and one of the most striking film debuts out there-Cronos...
Jesus Gris is an ordinary antiques salesman running the store with the help of his young granddaughter Aurora. One day he's given a statue of an angel, and a further examination reveals a hidden treasure. Inside is a strange golden bug, which frightens the pair when it latches onto Jesus. He becomes strangely enthralled by the object though, almost like an addiction, and soon notices he's looking younger. But that isn't the only change...
Cronos is a great visual debut! It's truly original, providing a view into vampirism that is very unique, and allows for interesting character building, scenarios, and overall themes.
The film opens with some English narration over a separate prologue. In a way it feels a bit tacked on, but it does add a little context, and make the story feel a little greater than the otherwise down-to-earth tale it is. We predominately follow Jesus as he struggles with his newfound gift/curse, all the while a morbid and ailing businessman is trying desperately to prolong his life. Dieter de la Guardia will stop at nothing to get the Cronos device, and uses his grouchy nephew as his muscle.
There are a few twists and turns as the story goes on, and Jesus finds himself relying more and more on the Cronos device, and a new thirst for blood. Everything culminates in an end that's not entirely rosy but not unhappy either. My only issue is that it's a little bare. We can assume what'll happen, but it would've been nice to see a little more, and to have a couple of things elaborated on. Like if time or a good skincare routine can do wonders for ex-vampires.
The script here is an intelligent one, if occasionally unsubtle, with themes of religion, down to the name Jesus Gris itself.
Jesus is a great lead. Softly spoken and humble, he's not a greedy man, nor does he ask for the world. He's simply doing his best to make a living, and take care of his family. This makes it tough when the Cronos device begins taking over his life. You can see the goodness in him staying strong, though who knows what would've happened if just one thing had've gone wrong.
Jesus remains strong through adversity though, and not only overcomes all the challenges the movie offers, but he resembles a dark superhero by the climax. In the end, it's his self-sacrificing spirit, and the love of his grandaughter that keep him in the light.
Without saying a word, little Aurora is a charming character, and provides much of the film's heart. She is cute, surprisingly intuitive and intelligent for her age, and her connection with her grandfather is well portrayed. Jesus's wife is nice enough, though doesn't appear much. Her not being as visibly old made me think she was his daughter for a bit, or that Jesus managed to get himself a young mamacita.
The villains are a colourful pair. Dieter is an obsessive creep, spending all his time in a sterilised and antiseptic ward, trying to stave off the inevitable. His nephew Angel meanwhile would rather be anywhere but here, yet has to be on his demanding uncle's beck and call if he wants to be included in the will. His character has lots of little touches that flesh him out, most notably his desire for a new nose.
The supporting cast contains some funny characters, namely Tito the coroner. He's a real hoot, and in only a few scenes manages to be one of the film's most memorable characters. His scenes are darkly humorous, with an air of goofiness, which never feels out of place.
I have seen a lot of Mexican horror, and something I admire about the genre is how it always strives to be original. There's plenty that is derivative too (in a good way, of course), but much that stands out. What's also interesting when watching Mexican movies is how unlike they are from the country's popular image. When people think of Mexico they usually imagine portly men in sombreros out in a dusty shanty town, going "Ay carumba!" while a handsome American fights grungy drug dealers. Cronos however portrays a city that could well be in Europe, while still retaining a distinct Spanish flavour.
In his first film, Del Toro establishes many traits that he'd soon become known for. A fantastical tone meshing with the mundane, a focus on insects and clockwork, and a strong visceral nature. A mix of genres, Cronos feels more like a drama with horror elements, that gradually come to the forefront. There's a wonderful job at interlacing the modern day with fairy tale elements. It's in a subtle way, like a coat resembling a cape, or the toy box Jesus hides in to avoid the now-hurtful sun, like a makeshift coffin.
While not a gory film for the most part, Cronos has its violent and unsettling moments, including some slight body horror. Part of it is due to Jesus's gradual transformation, and what happens with his skin, but also there is the after-effects from being seen too by a coroner.
The effects work here is very good. The film is low-budget, yet manages to look expensive by focusing on the right things. The make-up work for Jesus is marvellous and occasionally grisly, while Ron Perlman almost looks like a monster in the end. The Cronos device is a great looking prop, shining convincingly, and looking gnarly when it springs open.
Cronos is a vibrant film musically. The score is made up of nice piano melodies, fun flamenco tunes, and an overall Latin feel.
The cast does a wonderful job. Federico Luppi has lots of heart, and manages to play a doting grandfather, an addict, and a struggling vampire! Little Tamara Shanath is an endearingly sweet presence, and does so much with just her expressions. Claudio brook is a delightfully sinister villain. Ron Perlman gets a fun and distinct role. It wasn't what I was expecting, in a good way. He plays the role in English, after it turned out he couldn't speak Spanish. While he attempted to learn it, it was decided his delivery wasn't good enough to use, so they decided to steer into this by making it an element of the character. Angel is an American who'd rather be anywhere else than Mexico, and his bad Spanish reflects this.
And lastly, there is the direction. Shots are composed really well, from tight close-ups to grand long shots. The set design is equally stellar, going hand in hand with the direction. My favourite moment was the final fight, which manages to take the film into an almost epic place.
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