The most popular festival film in 2010 was the Argentinian flim “The Secret in your Eyes” featuring the excellent performance of the retired criminal court employee, Esposito, played by Ricardo Darín. It was therefore interesting to look back at some of Darín’s previous roles and there is no doubt that you will be equally impressed by his performance in ‘Nine Queens’ ten years earlier in 2000.

The story involves two small-time swindlers inBuenos Aireswho decide to work together to pull off their dream of the ultimate scam. Darín plays Marcos, the more experienced of the two, who offers to teach the younger Juan the tricks of the trade. As their tricks become more elaborate, so the stakes become higher and higher and the tension builds. The two characters provide amusing light relief along the way but the plot has so many twists and turns that it is difficult to know who is conning who. The film is a totally absorbing, well-paced and well-acted thriller. Above all, it is very clever and will keep you guessing to the very end.