SCREAMFEST LA - BEFORE THE FALL aka TRES DÍAS (review)

A giant meteorite is about to collide with Earth. The planet is gripped by despair and chaos. The inhabitants of Laguna listen to the news in terror. Ale, a frustrated young man who lives with his mother, decides to spend his last days shut away, getting drunk and listening to his favourite music. But his plans change when he is forced to help his mother to protect his brother's four children when Lucio, an ambiguous, disturbing stranger appears.

Written by Juan Velarde and F. Javier Gutierrez
Directed by Javier Gutierrez
Starring Victor Clavijo, Eduard Fernandez, Mariana Cordero, Juan Galvan

A haunting film containing very real characters that just happens to have a catalyst rooted in science fiction. While not an obvious choice for ScreamFest, Tres Días succeeds in provoking thought, creating emotional ties to its characters (especially protagonist Victor Clavijo), and sustaining tension with the integration of an escaped serial killer, with whom the main family has a history.

Antonio Meliveo's original music, coupled with classic French songs such as Le Tourbillon by Jeanne Moreau, add a timeless feel. Having been on the festival circuit for over a year, Tres Días will be released on DVD by IFC Films in the United States on November 3. I highly recommend it and cannot wait to see what Gutierrez plans to do for his next film.