Director: Fabián Bielinsky
Stars: Ricardo Darín, Manuel Rodal, Dolores Fonzi (Full Cast)
Studio: IFC First Take

The Plot: A loner taxidermist (Darin) obsessed with the idea of committing the perfect crime seizes an opportunity after he accidentally kills a motel owner (Rodal) that may or may not have been on the level.

THE BUZZ: Writer-director Fabián Bielinsky follows up Nine Queens (one of my favorite films) with another well-reviewed crime/drama that offers more than you typically get from the genre. Reportedly stripped of excesses and beautifully composed, The Aura is said to be a two-man show; it's primary focus is to show what star Ricardo Darin can do in front of the camera while Bielinsky controls the mood and manipulates events behind the scenes. If you haven't heard how the title figures into the movie, Darin's Esteban has epileptic seizures, which are preceded by a moment of confusion and enlightenment where his past and future blur together. Awesomeness. Rest in peace, Mr. Bielinsky, and here's hoping your second film won't be poorly remade here in the U.S.