Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: A COP MOVIE [Berlinale 2021 - Virtual]

Creating an idea of both reality versus documentary is an interesting approach but because authenticity but also the concept of the truth are important parallels. "A Cop Movie" [Competition] does something interesting in that construction in breaking down perception both inward and outward. As a result, what is seen is sometimes uneven but also at times riveting but when the curtain is pulled back to show the wires it is not as extraneous as one might think. There are differences in behavior but also in the idea of "what is real life?" Although the film did not go as dark as one might think, it does give a good idea of the day to day. The glossiness of some of the early scenes, especially are interesting (because of their almost "Se7en" color vibe, even if they are mostly inside a cop car. The best moments, which brings to mind "Amores Perros" involves the lead female cop helping deliver a baby. It comes across as pretty real but with a sense of cinematic so it can't be happening in real time...or can it? The line of blurring is almost transparent. What is revealed as time goes on is the construct. To give away much more would be a spoiler because the construction or deconstruction of the narrative is the thing. Most of the film is not as interesting when the curtain is revealed but it does make one think about cause and effect. Director Alonso Ruizpalacios does do something interesting in that way making the audience reflect on action and reaction (though again it doesn't go too dark -- thankfully -- since it could have gone in a much more diabolical direction, though that might skew the line). As is, the story is an interesting a reflexive view into what makes a cop in Mexico. B-

By Tim Wassberg