EL ANGEL

Director: Luis Ortega A release for The Orchard Theatrical release: November 9, 2018

Carlitos is a seventeen-year-old youth with movie star swagger, blond curls and a baby face. As a young boy, he coveted other people’s things, but it wasn’t until his early adolescence that his true calling–to be a thief–manifested itself. When he meets Ramon at his new school, Carlitos is immediately drawn to him and starts showing off to get his attention. Together they will embark on a journey of discoveries, love and crime. Killing is just a random offshoot of the violence, which continues to escalate until Carlitos is finally apprehended. Because of his angelic appearance, the press dubs Carlitos “The Angel of Death.” Showered with attention because of his beauty, he becomes an overnight celebrity. Altogether, he is believed to have committed over forty thefts and eleven homicides. Today, after more than forty-six years in jail, Carlos Robledo Puch is the longest- serving prisoner in the history of Argentina.

Ortega's energetic style means the character's hedonistic crime spree is never less than luridly entertaining.Jamie Dunn, Sight & Sound

The form and content never really jibe, but this might get under your skin anyway.Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader

The flourishes of lurid cinematography and an upbeat soundtrack give El Angel its main flavor.RogerEbert.com