The Punishment (2022)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

On a lonely road, surrounded only by the forest, a mother and father, Ana (Antonia Zegers) and Mateo (Néstor Cantillana), search for their son Lucas. The details of how or why he’s gone missing are uncertain, but when the authorities become involved in this missing-person’s case the truth will slowly reveal itself. The Punishment follows two struggling parents–and they will soon find out that their missing son isn’t the only thing that’s haunting them. 

Writer Coral Cruz and Director Matías Bize develop a film that is very contained, existing only in a small part of the forest. We never leave the area to which the film opens, and that helps to develop some level of claustrophobia. Sure, the film takes place in the wilderness, which extends beyond where the eye can see–but only shooting in a small area creates the sense that these parents feel trapped. They are stuck, forced to search the woods again and again for Lucas, and their darkest emotions can be felt by this feeling of claustrophobia. The Punishment does a wonderful job of expressing tone, and, more importantly, allowing viewers to connect with Ana and Mateo on an emotional level. 

With a relatively simple script, I imagine it can be difficult for actors to find their way, for them to be able to muster up the gusto to develop emotion. However, Zegers and Cantillana never fail to deliver, never fail to reel in viewers and keep them emotionally invested. The Punishment cannot thrive without the success of its two leads—and they help to propel it toward the finish line. 

This may sound harsh, but a missing child isn’t necessarily enough to warrant viewers becoming invested for over an hour—there has to be something more. The Punishment is presented like a mystery, always begging the question “why?” Effectively forcing viewers to play along is a masterful move, adding depth to this narrative in a way that only makes it better. 

Again, The Punishment is a relatively simple film that contains depth developed through the mystery. Cruz and Bize are tasked with scripting and developing this mystery–but the two leads are the ones that ultimately see it through. They help to create suspense surrounding a mystery that we must play along with, and The Punishment flourishes as a result. This truly is one of the more intriguing films that I’ve seen in some time. Well scripted, wonderfully paced, and masterfully acted–this film is sure to entertain from start to finish. 

Directed by Matías Bize. 

Written by Coral Cruz. 

Starring Antonia Zegers, Néstor Cantillana, etc. 

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING