To get a bit on the philosophical side of things for a moment, life would be pretty boring if your job was always going a mile a minute. Sure, the same can be said if your job was constantly slower than rush hour. You need something to break the monotony of the fast (or slow) pace of work to keep your sanity. Like, say, kidnapping someone. Perhaps not something as drastic (or illegal) as that, but for filmmaker Adrián García Bogliano’s Scherzo Diabolico (which premièred at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival), the not-so-simple act of kidnapping sets off a disturbing tale of blood and twisting emotions.

Aram (Francisco Barreiro) lives a miserable life. Underappreciated at home and at his accounting job, the only reprieve Aram receives is from a CD of classical piano that he listens to while at work or in the car. Looking for something to pull him out of his funk and to get the recognition that he feels he deserves, Aram concocts a plan to kidnap a teenaged girl, Anie (Daniela Soto Vell), and hold her hostage. But even after Aram plans out, researches every detail, and goes through with the kidnapping, the subsequent fallout after he releases the girl sets off a chain of events that he fails to foresee.

I’ll put this out here right now and state that Scherzo Diabolico is another slow-burner. The film takes its time gathering all of the necessary pieces, building up the pressure before the dam bursts. It makes for getting Barreiro’s character established and known to the audience about his predicament, as well as the facade he wears in front of his peers. Of course, this only works if Barreiro’s acting makes it work. Fortunately, Barreiro is able to carry the film through Aram. Everyone involved turns in believable and well-acted performances, but Barreiro is the linchpin. Barreiro nails the submissive and timid actions of Aram, which makes the dark and brutal underlying side of the character that much more shocking when it’s unleashed. There’s a very real sense of betrayal once you find out what lurks behind Aram’s eyes. And as the film progresses, what sympathy you felt for Aram turns into a need for him to be punished. Kudos to Barreiro for finding all of that.

Another aspect of the film that I enjoyed was its classical score. A mix of works by classic artists like Mozart, as well as original pieces by Sealtiel Alatriste, the score drives the film’s action (such as when Aram is planning out his kidnapping and executing it), but also is integral to the film’s plot (you’ll see). I’m always amazed at the dichotomy whenever a film uses a classical piece (or any sort of clam music) mixed in a scene of violence or a tense moment. There’s such a great contrast that plays with your head. There’s a certain scene involving Anie right after being released that typifies this contrast. The film revels in going into the almost comically brutal aspects of violence, and there’s even some dark humour thrown in for good measure (depending on your level of depravity). Some truly masterful work by García Bogliano to construct scenes like this.

If Scherzo Diabolico hits any wrong notes, it would be for the pacing. The scenes that are necessary to advance the plot do get drawn out a little too long, but these in turn make the payoff that much more rewarding. Still, some might find it tedious. As well, the film does deal with a bit of subject matter that some might find objectionable/offensive, but it’s all part of the story. And really, the touchy subject matter doesn’t go into full-blown exploitation area for the sake of it, but instead treads the line carefully. It resolves itself in the end, so getting into an uproar about it would be pointless.

If you dug Adrián García Bogliano’s Here Comes The Devil and its slow burn but ultimately rewarding experience, Scherzo Diabolico will definitely fit the bill. Not only does the acting do its job, García Bogliano’s attention behind the camera, as well as the use of music in the film, make it worth the watch. While some might find parts of the film tedious, and some of the subject matter might not be to everyone’s liking, persistence definitely pays off. If you’re into seeing a mindf*ck of a film where actions take a big domino effect, then play a little Scherzo Diabolico.

Scherzo Diabolico releases in the US on May 3rd.