Excellent social thriller in a Mexican background
It is perfectly acceptable for a film to take the narrative of a novel and change its location and its time as Carlos Carrera has done with Eça de Quiroz's novel set in late 19th century Portugal. The change to 21st century Mexico gives a contemporary slant to the story but the real essence of the novel is left behind. Eça's novel is an attack on the hypocrisy of a small town dominated by the church and the rich and powerful. The love story is a slow and torturous affair, the film sketches over the inner turmoil of the young couple and many of the smaller characters are briefly portrayed.
Gael Garcia Bernal gives a fine performance although not helped by the dubbing which comes out in a rather mannered monotone.