Asghar Farhadi directs Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Ricardo Darín in this psychological thriller where a wedding reunion becomes a kidnapping mystery.

Watchable due to the talent involved, though only Javier Bardem’s star power is satisfyingly utilised throughout the lengthy running time. The set-up for an intense hostage negotiation gets sidelined by soapy revelations and crippling grief. By no means a bad film yet one that doesn’t stretch itself in any aspect.

6