Daniela Goggi's 'Barreda' offers a fictionalised drama based on one of Argentina's most shocking crimes: the 1992 quadruple homicide committed by dentist Ricardo Barreda. The film distinguishes itself by shifting the narrative focus from the perpetrator to the four women whose lives were tragically cut short. Luis Machín delivers a meticulous performance as Ricardo Barreda, capturing the unsettling ordinariness that belies his horrific actions.
He is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Carla Peterson as his wife Gladys McDonald, Mercedes Morán as his mother-in-law Elena Arreche, Maite Lanata as daughter Cecilia, and Margarita Páez as daughter Adriana. The film attempts to reconstruct the domestic environment and the systematic gender violence that permeated the household before the crime, aiming to restore the victims' identities beyond their tragic end. While the direction and cinematography are commendable, creating a tense and sober atmosphere, the screenplay occasionally treads a predictable path.
The narrative, structured with flashbacks, moves with a certain assuredness but doesn't always deliver significant surprises or profound impact. The film's strength lies in its commitment to a thoughtful and careful perspective, avoiding sensationalism while delving into the complexities of the family dynamics and the societal context of the era. It succeeds in presenting a more nuanced portrayal than typical true-crime retellings, sparking reflection on media complicity and victim erasure.
However, its restrained approach, while avoiding exploitation, can sometimes make the portrait of the manipulative and psychopathic protagonist feel somewhat familiar. Despite these minor reservations, 'Barreda' remains an engaging and psychologically astute exploration of a dark chapter in Argentine history.
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