A great, original premise is given (twice) which sets up the film to be an interesting 97 minutes.
However I got halfway through and it seemed we, as the audience, were also trapped in this infinite loop along with the characters.
It didn't really go anywhere and the half-arsed and long-winded explanation at the end failed to save it and wasn't really necessary.
What a shame as the way it was initially heading felt like it was to be quite something.
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repo13628 October 2019
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I understand the negative reviews, as this movie is bleak and at times visually disturbing, however it certainly stays with you for a long time after viewing - which is more than can be said for a lot of modern movies.
It's a Kafka-esque mindtwister, and there are no unicorns and rainbows. It quite literally portrays what would happen to a few humans, some related, some complete strangers, mentally and physically if they were trapped in a spacial, but not temporal, loop.
If you want neat and happy endings, on-message moralising, famous comforting faces, this is not for you. It's not high-budget, and it's not going to win any Oscars, but it's an interesting idea, portrayed with terrifying realism. It's claustrophobic, limited settings are more akin to a screenplay, though the Mexican hills certainly make for a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to the road story.
If you like Borges, PKD, glitch_in_the_matrix, etc., certainly check it out, you won't be un-entertained. But be warned, it's... pretty weird. -
fragsman26 September 2021First of all. I want to give props for the innovation. Nowadays movie industry is prertty bastard-ized. But I won't get into that matter.
Many of people surely didn't understand it. Is not that easy. Also not that hard. But you need ot pay a lot of attention at the end. Is a godo idea.
I liked the part where they explain that middle-age people will keep active to give the children more happiness. That is why always children are more happy. If that paralel universe ever exists it makes totally sense. And that old people are not that good at enoying and live in the past. Is natural. It happens to me.
Yes.. the acting is not great. It's mediocre but.. people that put 1-3 points, maybe they should go for a more popcorn-movies like Avengers or some understandable movie. Not for thinking. -
El Incident (2014) Two brothers are fleeing a police officer, taking the fire stairs of the building. But they will quickly realize that they have entered an endless loop.
The situation, or rather the incident happens suddenly, and puts the characters in front of the accomplished fact. What will be interesting is how everyone will try to understand, and adapt. The situation can not hide its inspirations from "Lost" or "Twilight Zone".
The repetitive structure allows each character to explore, and we see them cross their new looped world, all the while varying in attitude. Misunderstanding gives way to fear, then refusal, to finish on a kind of indifference.
The film uses this structure to explore more profound themes. Each of the group has witnessed from the beginning of the death of a member of their group, and we see how each individual apprehend this shock. There are those who indulges towards the abandonment and deterioration; while others face the problems with a kind of stoicism, taking a repetitive lifestyle. It could thereby compare this attitude imposed on the character to a broader vision of life and society, each undergoing repetition days and social obligations and work. I was surprised to discover many aspects and facades to this film, the revelations of the third act force to bringing a second reading to what could have been a simple idea for a short film, but who finds here throwing theories forcing us to ask questions. The rate also contributes to the strength of this film. The elements being unveiled at the same pace as the characters discover them, alternating in a balanced manner between the two parallel stories. The end seemed accelerated as taken by his own ardor, and give me the impression of being slightly confused at first.
To accompany this mystery, music is intense and mysterious.
As for the actors, they are of good alois, express crises and fears, but I felt that they were only contented to shout, the parents and the police officer having somewhat the same personality.
A well made movie, refreshing, and a stonishingly remaining in the head.
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Rod Serling once wrote "It has been said that God created the Heaven and Earth, but it's up to each individual to create their own personal or private Hell". Well, not necessarily, as we find out in this truly incredible film debut - Writer/Director Isaac Ezban's "El Incidente".
El Incidente begins with a striking image of a very old woman in her last few minutes of life. She's still in her wedding dress, riding an escalator to an unknown origin in the future. It's followed by a sequence where we see an endless ocean, railroad track, road, stairway, and hallway. These shots act as a road map by Ezban for us to follow on his journey into a Universe of his own creation, and what a glorious journey it is
There are 2 separate yet connected stories for us to follow, both fragmented non linear narratives about a family's venture on a road trip, and a detective's successful chase of 2 petty thieves on a stairway of an apartment building. In both scenes, we witness multiple incidents, both involving a traumatic death. A detective shoots one of the criminals while on the stairway- yet claims it wasn't his doing- while the father of a family gets lost- while his daughter suffers a severe asthma attack for which he assumes much of the blame. Both groups hear an explosion shortly after each incident occurs, and both find themselves frozen in space- but not time - and isolated from the rest of the world. They are trapped - and what they do during that time will have huge implications in determining the course of their lives.
While the family on the road keep passing the same landmarks over and over again, the Cop and 2 criminals discover an endless loop of repeated floors of the building in which they are trapped. There is much more to both stories and yes, they are connected. Listen closely to the conversation between both brothers in one's dying moments on the stairway. The regret of rushing thru childhood in quest of a happier adulthood is crucial to the film's theme.
We are now transported 35 years into the future-- Act 2
Act 2 on the staircase contains the film's most creative and fascinating images. A vending machine that automatically fills up with food at will, a mural of fascinating drawings on the walls listing the number of days since the incident occurred- a bizarre religious ritual, a collection of empty plastic water bottles that contain (that's a secret) and the most beautiful images of food captured on film since Antonioni's "Zabriskie Point". The way the characters adapt to their new stairway home over those years with what little they had was amazingly creative- like utilizing limitless water bottles for use as a make shift shower, and nail clippers for mirrors. The relationships between characters grew as well as their lives depended on cooperation. (Ezban and set designer Adelle Achar used a lot of imagination in highlighting this fascinating and original segment)
Act 2 of the family on the road could have used a little more development, but still in all fairness it was realistic and true to the story. The father and son are alive, but remain quite distant. The mother is catatonic and soon dies, and the little girl has long been deceased. They have not adapted to their surroundings nearly as well. A revelation soon occurs in both stories, and some warnings as well. Only when the elderly approach death in both stories do they realize what is happening- who they really are, and have to try to break an unbreakable course of events that are inevitable- making one wonder if they can overcome the limitations in their choices to act.
The movie seems to ask us do we indeed have control of our actions or are our actions predetermined, and if so, by who and why? In critiquing cinema, as in our regular lives, it seems we make our choices based on subjective impulses and live by these choices as though we have grasped an "absolute truth" Fans of mystery enjoy figuring out the unknown but are often left frustrated when the process seems like an exercise in futility (as one might feel here) This is a movie experience you must surrender to. Rather than trying to solve all the mystery of this film, or understand its bizarre logic, enjoy the experience in these unique worlds created by Ezban. Someone once said that in Science Fiction, a writer doesn't have to embarrassed for loving strange ideas- in fact, it's almost encouraged. I might add, its not a sin for the viewer to love those ideas either.
If there is a flaw, it might be understanding Ezban's tagline and the cause and effect aspects of the film. There is a lot going on here. Spending equal time in both worlds would have made the film easier to understand. It's also hard to connect or even feel compassion for the characters in this film, leaving a void in our caring about the outcome. Regardless of it's logistics and our emotional detachment, we remain trapped- along with the characters- in a beautiful yet claustrophobic nightmarish loop. It does leave us with questions. Most nightmares do, but few are this fascinating.
If you pay close attention, (which few people do), the film shows us how mortality and the deterioration of aging goes hand in hand with the loss of innocence and the dreams of our youth. It is a reminder that not staying active by living life to its fullest will only lead to self destruction, This is a film that crawls inside your head and stays there- a film you're not likely to forget.
Of course, sometimes the metaphors are missed, but that's the fault of the viewer not the filmmaker. This was easily one of the most fascinating films I've ever seen in years- an amazing existential journey - and on that basis alone, it gets a 9/10 from me- I loved it, and no, this is NOT a paid review. -
jandb-3221010 June 2018The movie kept you guessing with an interesting ending. I suspect those who rated it low, simply did not 'get it.' An interesting sci-fi, worth the watch.
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valentina-twosheds26 March 2018The film is impressive: as all films that rely on great writing and acting, you are thrilled that your attention is constantly captivated. Human nature is displayed without explaining the obvious. Shots great and you are prepared for an ending you know is not going to be linear. And yet, some inconsistencies remain and are all rushed in all together at the end. Difficult to say without spoilering, but there is one story arch that leaves you puzzled despite the slightly overlong explanation provided, and combined with the rushed through shots of other resolutions it kind of defeats the explanation provided, which would have been otherwise fit just right and been perfectly satisfying. As a film that remains with you well after you've watched, it definitely deserves watching. Fantastic acting and great direction otherwise.
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kevinstender23 December 2019It's unique and creative but I felt terrible watching it the whole time. I kept watching hoping that the ending would redeem it somehow, but I can't help but feel like I just wasted two hours of my life in something that made me feel dirty and gross and depressed.
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Wow - I was greatly surprised by the idea in this movie.
So happy to realize it's a mexican production as well.
It brings an interesting concept based on alternate/parallel realities/dimensions, time loops and reincarnation...with its own new ideas, that add up to the genre - making it a quite original movie.
Since the characters are all sort trapped in a specific time/space area - such as in a maze -, it reminded me the super classic "The Cube". This movie really transmits this feeling of suffocation and forsakenness.
The movie is dark, disturbing and puzzling. You gotta follow up details.
So it's really not a "relaxing" movie. Same happens with "The Cube" - it really achieves the same atmosphere.
Acting was good enough - sometimes a little bit overreacted in my opinion - but when the time comes, actors are able to display traits of insanity in a fantastic way.
Such an event described in the movie can definitely push a mind beyond and make it break to pieces.
The remaining ones, the survivors, are given a chance to end it all...
If you are a fan of time loop movies, alternate realities, psychological dramas and mystery...you like movies such as "The Cube", or love Cronenberg's work...then give it a go - you won't be disappointed.
This has easily become one of my tops dark SCI-FI movie!
So happy I had the chance to see it! -
dpc-7135417 September 2015The plot and the idea behind this movie seems interesting enough to consider watching it, an original concept that might not come up often (specially for a Mexican movie).
It all starts with big expectations, however, it takes no more than the first 10 minutes to realize that this film will not live up to expectations.
The acting is utterly horrible, there is not a single character in this movie with whom you can relate to or even feel some empathy for. The dialogs are forced and their over use of swearing lets you know immediately that this is a normal Mexican movie in which there is no need for good dialogs as long as you have enough nonsense swearing. Be aware that the main actresses is known only for her soap opera appearances, which are by definition, not great places to find good actresses.
The film feels very claustrophobic (which I imagine was on purpose) but rather than being gripped by the plot it just provokes the spectator the need to find a way out of the cinema room.
As if the acting was not enough to give you headaches then there are the sound effects and music. The sound effects feel "raw" (and by raw I mean there seems that no post production or sound mixing was made at all). The dialogs feel intrusive and the whinings and screams are just unbearable. The music is like a copy cat from Lost and other suspense series.
This movie has received positive reviews in the independent media in Mexico which was one of the reasons for me to watch it. However, after watching it seems to me that the reviews were made by the filmmaker's friends.
Have a look at IMDb review dates for this movie and if you're intelligent enough you'll realize that most of the "overwhelmingly positive" reviews were made months ago, previous to the commercial release of the movie, and by users that coincidentally or not, registered 10 or so months ago. It looks to me that they tried (and sadly, achieved) to generate great expectations for this movie.
Watch it at your own risk but bear in mind that it is not material for a cult movie and much less the director (Isaac Izban) is the next Stephen King. This movie is a great idea awfully executed and with even poorer acting quality.
It is 90 minutes of torture with 10 minutes in which they quite literally explain the whole movie. Next time the director should be kind enough to save 90 minutes of their audience's time and shoot a short movie instead. -
mia-2969210 May 2022Very rare kind of movie. When it ends...all you want is thinking about what is happened and then watch it again next day. Brilliant!
The idea is great. -
dgpuentec23 September 2015First, let's start with the obvious fact that at least 5 of the current reviews in IMDb were paid or at least made by the filmmaker's friends, quote: "His cinematography has been compared to Kubrick"... LOL, and: "Is this world ready for Isaac Ezban?"... LOL There is no magnificence in this movie, the cinematography looks like it was made by students (I've seen much better short films from guys studying to be filmmakers).
Then there's the acting! it's so bad that it should be used as an example of what good acting is not.
This film is so pretentious that the first reaction I got was to find the nearest emergency exit. It tries so hard to teach us something that it fails miserably, believe me, the only teaching you will find in this film is that time indeed is precious and you will regret having spent 100 minutes of your life watching this piece of garbage. -
adrianita-7561616 September 2015First of all, H.G. Wells, Ray Bradbury and Julio Cortazar would die again if they saw their names as references for inspiration and influences for this film.
The acting was awful, as they say in the trivia section the casting was not conventional and was based only on the director's personal whims, that being said, be prepared to endure minutes of Nailea Norvind's high pitch whining with no reason other than put you through the same hell I imagine the director was trying to portray in the film, if that was the objective well, good job!! you made it.
This film seems to me as big on marketing and very low on quality, the cinematography is awful and the sound effects and music are even worse, there are short films that tell stories much richer than this and they manage to do it in under 15 minutes rather than 100 minutes of pure torture.
Do not waste your time with this "cult" film, it is more about marketing and paid reviews than on real quality and originality.
Avoid this film at all cost. -
"Life is a long highway, and what we pass along never comes back," says a disparate, terror-stricken Carlos, played by Humberto Busto (Amores Perros, After Lucia), to his younger brother, Oliver (Fernando Álvarez). The brothers, petty thieves, are, along with bull-headed detective Raúl (Raúl Méndez), coming to realize that they're prisoners within an odd Möbius strip-like stairwell, in Isaac Ezban's insanely assured directorial debut, The Incident (El Incidente). A similar predicament has befallen a dysfunctional family of four on a road trip, where a 10- year-old Roberto (Santiago Mendoza Cortes) is the first to observe that they appear to be revisiting the identical lonely strip of road repeatedly. Fear sinks in as Roberto's little sister, Camila (Paulina Montemayor) needs her asthma inhaler and the baffling time loop they've strayed into will not allow for it, and she will die. The Incident takes some huge risks, narratively speaking, and a resourceful Ezban, who has essentially taken on some restrictive and circumscribed snags; limiting the cast to only a few per each isolated vignette, curbing the action to one location, and yet he still makes for some truly intriguing sci-fi. Fans of outlandish, character-driven psychological mysteries such as Lost or Twin Peaks, or acolytes of prolific speculative fiction writer Philip K. Dick—whose 1958 head trip novel Time Out of Joint is explicitly referenced—will find much to be rhapsodic about here. Ezban is a thoughtful, resourceful, and adept director. Using a budget that must have been a mere fraction of a fraction of, say, Christopher Nolan's undue Inception, Ezban takes an infinitely more imaginative and precarious approach, with a far better pay off. In fact, as far as speculative SF goes, there have only been a handful of filmmakers bold enough to truly consider the mental strain and intellective injury that would be endured space or time travellers. While it may not be of the same calibre of Tarkovsky's Solaris or Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Incident is of the same lineage, and for a first effort, Ezban shows great potential. The Incident is a gripping, good-looking, and resounding achievement, filled to the fringe with humour and hubris, too, both essential ingredients to make such strange fiction fulfilling. It's outcome is hard fought and edifying, reflecting enlightened excellence. Ezban's got a long career ahead of him, and it's a thrill to see his first flight.
(from my review at Vivascene.com) -
carlosalmanza20 September 2015Just not quite what I'd call a " movie", less to say a masterpiece. Plain wrong from every possible angle. To begin with the acting (if you can call THAT acting), to the script, to the dialogues, to plot loopholing from minute four and a whole bunch of etceteras. What was everybody involved in this movie thinking? I demand respect to the audience whatever the movie is about, the thing is that this piece just doesn't makes sense, and once you get the so called explanation for the Moebius strip rip-off, it turns out to be the most unjustified turn of events. Definitely don't waste your time. And Mr. So-called-director-of-this: be more respectful of your audience.
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michelleprum27 October 2014A stunning debut by Mexican writer and director Isaac Ezban, "The Incident", is a mind-boggling, mind-blowing sci-fi thriller, that in a very unique and elegant manner, presents us with an endearing glimpse into the most profound depths of our all-too humane existence... timeless mazes of our recurring patterns and the very roots of our uttermost mistakes and inevitable realizations. However, by no means should you let such complex, and sometimes even terrifying doubts and uncertainties that do in fact pursue us day and night, stop you from watching this powerful film that graces the big screen with hypnotic imagery and a custom-made soundtrack, that shelters each and every single moment and emotion evoked throughout the entire film. Highly insightful, yet enchanting as well, this story challenges the viewer, without saturating the senses. As crude and real, as it is fascinating and creative; impossible not to relate entirely to each and every one of the characters, this film leaves us wondering how it is that we as humans function in society? How do we relate to each other, and to our lives in general? What are the actual drives and motives for each and every one of our actions, and how do they relate to our overall place in time and space and civilization. Yes, it has everything one should expect to find in any and all classic and legendary sci-fi films, but from the fresh and renovated view of this brilliant young writer, that re-boosts our understanding of science fiction, bringing fiction and reality frighteningly close to each other, leaving it up to each and every one of us, to find the answers we seek, once we learn to understand and appreciate the weight and value of every moment and decision we take, and follow through the only way out is to keep going. DO NOT miss out on this film a rising star!
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I saw this one on Netflix tagged thriller. That was absolutely wrong labeling! There is nothing thrilling about this movie. The idea of this film is good, but when everything gets in a loop and we never get out of it, well for me it gets dull and boring. There is something going on in the movie, but that never gets explained or even feels logical. It's an arty movie, good photography and beautiful locations. It is probably a deep and intellectual plot which I didn't get. I'm just a normal guy who likes thrilling movies and this one didn't get anywhere near that. I would like to get a refund for a spoiled Sunday evening!
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Rickard-606-5927165 May 2019Another piece of dreck promoted by Netflix. I was lured in by the 6 star rating, and started the movie with genuine anticipation. Less than 30 minutes in I got that sinking "have I been conned again?" feeling. The best part of the entire experience was reading the elaborate over-the-top sycophantic 9 and 10 star reviews, written to pad the ratings. I think the producer would have been better off hiring these writers to put the script together instead of the reviews. The result may have been some pseudo-Victorian / Shakespearean mishmash of convoluted hyperbole, but it would've been a hell of a lot more watchable.
In short: you've been warned. It ain't worth it. Not even a little bit. If you want something well-executed with a not dissimilar sort of storyline, watch "The Endless" instead. . There's an example of a low budget but compelling film.
Since not everyone here saw this movie on Netflix, I'll save this bit for the end, since it's no longer possible to express opinions on Netflix. This is the third movie in as many weeks suggested by Netflix that turned out to be not only bad, but INSULTINGLY bad. And I'm paying to see this? -
doomsday-750666 October 2015It's not very often, that one finds such a rare gem hidden among the pile of films that flood the festival circuit, especially one in this specific genre. After his debut with "Nasty Things", a short that surprised audiences all over the globe, Ezban manages to put together a cohesive, tightly packed piece of science fiction cinema, the likes of which we have barely ever seen executed effectively. Not since the 60s and 70s in TV serials such as the Twilight Zone and the Outer Limits, has one found a film that manages to stand and deliver the kicks necessary to make this type of story-line function in all the right ways. The direction is sublime for such a young newcomer, and to my surprise, here, his style works to perfection. It is clear that Ezban is not afraid to shock his audience and go where many don't dare to, which is something that is dearly needed and appreciated in the business. The moody atmosphere is brought together by great cinematography and a simple musical score that in this case, is exactly what is needed to put everything together and make it all work. Overall, to my surprise, the acting is quite decent even among the younger cast. Truly, a great display of creativity. The Incident is a flick that is not to be missed, and I'll be looking forward to Ezban's next production with interest.
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chrisbw196511 January 2019From the start, the movie is plodding and downright boring. The acting isn't great, but neither terrible. The cinematography is blah. The character development non existent. Basically, you know that you have no emotional attachment to any of the characters, and can walk out of the film at any time and never have an urge to watch it again to see what you missed, because you just don't care. Whether the director, or the actors, ever go anywhere in their careers won't be because of this film. Comparing it to classics, and genuinely great directors and storytellers: yeah, I don't think so. ijs
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ecstatictheatrics17 October 2015I walked out of the theater saying, "That was amazing. Just amazing." My family agreed and we talked about it that night and the next morning, figuring it out, exchanging what we remembered and admiring the creative staging and story telling. I think it was well thought out and the story told well, surprises that I then realized were logical. I thought the acting very good, especially as the actors changed extremely over time. We were still a little confused about the conclusion's explanation, but I think we understood most of the logic -- it helped to have multiple people discussing it and remembering pieces. When the old guys start talking, you need to listen.
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tampaps-571622 September 2020First 30 Minutes were good. I had high hopes of this movie loved the concept and the first 30 minutes were not bad but then takes a weird unexpected turn for the worst. Acting was not that great and seemed forced with unnecessary swearing which was not needed. I can't see how this movie could have been rated for more than 5 stars.
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mojoshome14 December 2019Thank Christ for fast forward. If you like the rinse repeat films groundhog Day, looper, etc don't watch this, it'll put you off them for countless lifetimes and then some.
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THE INCIDENT is, without a doubt, one of the most original, unique films spawned from Mexico in several years! It has become a cult masterpiece, not only in Mexico, but all around the world, where it has been shown in the most important film festivals. My kudos to Isaac Ezban, the writer/producer/director, since this was his first feature film, and his skills in the sci-fi genre are outstanding! It has been compared with Inception, Solaris and the work of Richard Kelly and Shane Carruth. Watch out for Ezban, he has the big weight of being the only auteur in Mexico devoted to film sci-fi in all its glory! You can say what you want about THE INCIDENT, but one things is certain: you cannot feel indifferent or detached from the story. It is powerful, mind-bending and truly emotional...
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ivar-764-28356819 April 2020The acting is terrible. The story rattles on all sides and has big mistakes in it. The people make very illogical choices. A waste of looking.