Gael García Bernal takes an uncharacteristically violent turn in Pablo Fendrik’s new film. Set in the Argentinian rainforest, “Ardor” (aka “El Ardor”) follows Bernal as Kaí, a mysterious man who emerges from the jungle to exact revenge for a farmer murdered by land-grabbing mercenaries and rescue his kidnapped daughter. The film is being touted as a Latin American Western and purportedly employs some pretty gruesome violence.
“Ardor” debuted at Cannes last May, and though it has screened at a handful of international festivals since, news of the film has been relatively sparse over the past 10 months. At long last, however, an official trailer for the picture has made its way online. The film was shot on location in Argentina, and from the looks of the trailer, it promises some pretty scenery, at the very least. (Early response to the film at Cannes was unfortunately short on praise.)
“Ardor” marks somewhat of a detour for Bernal. Portrayed as the shirtless, mysterious hero, Kaí is much more the enigmatic combatant than Bernal typically plays. He’s a tattooed jungle-dweller depicted as being at one with the land, a man whose response is to fight when faced with threats. It’s an interesting role for the supremely talented Bernal, and a film worth tracking, if for that reason alone.
You can check out the trailer below. Keep checking for updates, and be sure to let us know — is “Ardor” on your must-see list? "Ardor" opens on July 17th.
