Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY [Fantastic Fest 2022 - Austin,Texas]

The essence of curses usually reflects in the aspect of a protagonist bringing an effective noose based on his or her actions whether understood or not. The crux of "Disappear Completely" uses an interesting context of an ambulance chasing photographer for a local newspaper in Mexico City that seemingly intertwines into the crosshairs of someone he shouldn't have. Director Luis Javier Henaine uses the framing of 1:33 to allow more of a portal view into the life of Santiago (Harold Torres). Santiago has become almost numb to the aspect of death in its forms. The local cops call him to get his photos which rivet in their rawness but are diminished by the headlines that accompany them. The balance is that Santiago fails to see the perspective of Marcela, his wife, who both understands his drive but also strikes into him that complacency is needed. There is a parallel in many ways with "Nightstalker" but less visceral and more spiritual and myth-life in its approach. There was again a similar idea in "Heusera" where the affliction goes way beyond modern medicine. The resolution is based either in the soul or the ether that has been around for thousands and thousands of years before hospitals had MRIs.

Santiago's hallucinations are based on certain signs: seizures, loss of smell, taste. There however is not a correlation since everyone, even his Marcela, sees nothing phsyically wrong with him. Santiago seems to figure out what is happening and sets out on his own path which actually takes away the grounded elements of his life. His wife (Marcela) disappears for long stretches with him doing his own thing. His boss at the newspaper which seems to be the only thing keeping him afloat moves away from the center of the story as soon as this affliction starts. Santiago must hock many possessions (primarily camera gear( to get to the point he needs to be. In a metaphorical sense it is understandable. The reasoning of certain necessities, especially one specific sacrifice (which seems almost uncessary) seems to raise the stakes but it doesn't connect the dots as much as it should.

What becomes interesting, though it might be harder for mainstream audiences to accept, is the way Henaine reflects the losing of senses which is very interesting if you understand why it is being done in the design, much like the beginning of Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" which was done as a specific reference point. This is why as the film moves towards this aspect where everything disappears . It becomes an interesting existential journey for the audience as one knows why Santiago needs to make the choice but also why he can't. The antagonist and his focus is kept decidely wary but the way it is captured at one point while still masking identity is one of the beautiful strengths of the film. This is particularly vivid especially in the irony of the fact that, as an expert photographer, for Santiago it is about seeing the small details. He can't explain it which allows the audience to take the ride with him. B

By Tim Wassberg