19/22
At 50, divorced and struggling with money, Julian uses a car-sharing app to get around Madrid. Having fallen in love with Lorraine, a regular passenger, trouble begins when two strangers join them on their journey. Filmed at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal. Mr. Blue Skyby Electric Light Orchestra. Álex de la Iglesia, known for his mastery of suspense and horror, seems to have taken a detour with El cuarto pasajero; a film that unfortunately falls into the category of predictable Sunday comedies. Despite its potential, the film lacks the originality and suspense that fans have come to expect from De la Iglesia’s work. The plot is simple and the outcome is clear early on, leaving no room for surprise or intrigue. The cast, including Blanca Suárez, Alberto San Juan and Ernesto Alteri, are talented actors, but their performances are overshadowed by a script that doesn’t give enough credit to their abilities. It’s a wonder why they chose to take part in a project in which their skills are completely underutilized. The film’s humor and romantic elements feel forced and lack the wit that could elevate the narrative. In conclusion, El cuarto pasajero is a forgettable entry in Álex de la Iglesia’s filmography, lacking the depth and creativity of his previous films. It’s disappointing to see such a talented director and cast involved in a project that fails to leave a lasting impression.