God’s Crooked Lines (2022) Review: A Masterful Blend of Mystery and Psychological Tension
Introduction
God’s Crooked Lines (Los renglones torcidos de Dios) (2022), directed by Oriol Paulo, is a Spanish psychological thriller that artfully combines suspense and mystery. While its original Spanish version presents a captivating and intricate story, the English dub on Netflix falls short, turning the experience into something quite disjointed. For the most authentic experience, the film should be enjoyed in its original language. If subtitles are a dealbreaker, this may not be the film for you.
Plot Overview
Describing God’s Crooked Lines is akin to blending multiple genres. Imagine a narrative that intersects the atmospheric tension of Gaslight with the institutional critique of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, sprinkled with stylistic elements reminiscent of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. At its core, the film centers on Alice Gould (played by Bárbara Lennie), a private investigator who enters a psychiatric hospital under the guise of a patient to probe a suspicious death. Her quest to uncover the truth about Dr. Damian Garcia del Olmo’s son’s death leads her into a labyrinth of deception and danger.
Performances
The film’s success hinges significantly on its performances. Bárbara Lennie shines as Alice, navigating her complex role with a mesmerizing presence that anchors the film’s psychological tension. Eduard Fernández as Dr. Alvar provides a formidable counterpoint, embodying the institution’s chilling authority. The dynamic between Lennie and Fernández is central to the film’s gripping narrative, making each scene involving them a masterclass in suspense.
Direction and Cinematography
Oriol Paulo’s direction is meticulous, creating a richly textured narrative that never loses momentum despite its lengthy runtime. The film’s visual style is particularly striking. Although the technical specifications are not detailed, the film’s digital cinematography achieves a filmic quality reminiscent of classic Kodachrome, thanks to its choice of lenses and post-processing techniques. The result is a visually compelling experience that enhances the psychological drama.
Streaming Experience
For viewers in the U.S., God’s Crooked Lines (2022) is available on:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase in high definition.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rent or purchase with HD options.
- Google Play Movies: Offers rental and purchase choices.
- Netflix: Available with an English dub, though the original Spanish version is recommended for the best experience.
The Netflix presentation of the film is technically impressive, with Dolby Vision enhancing shadow details and maintaining clarity even in challenging scenes, such as a dramatic nighttime fire. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack, while occasionally overzealous, generally adds to the atmospheric depth of the film, enriching the viewer’s immersion in the hospital’s eerie environment.
Conclusion
God’s Crooked Lines (2022) is a sophisticated psychological thriller that stands out for its narrative complexity and strong performances. While its lengthy runtime and intricate plot may demand patience, the film’s engaging story and stellar acting make it a worthwhile watch. Although the English dub detracts from the experience, the original Spanish version offers a compelling cinematic journey. For fans of psychological thrillers, this film is a rewarding exploration of tension, reality, and deception.
God’s Crooked Lines 2022 review, Oriol Paulo, Spanish psychological thrillers, Bárbara Lennie, watch God’s Crooked Lines online.
