Kill the Jockey (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Kill the Jockey (El Jockey), the 2024 release by Argentinian director Luis Ortega, is an intriguing mix of equestrian thrills, identity crisis, and dark comedy. Fresh off the buzz from its Venice Film Festival debut, this film showcases Ortega’s signature flair for surrealism, paired with an electrifying performance by Nahuel Pérez Biscayart. While the premise might lure in sports enthusiasts, the movie quickly gallops away from its surface as a “high-stakes sports thriller” into an odyssey of personal rediscovery, gender exploration, and criminal undertones.
Storyline: A Jockey on the Brink of Chaos
The film centers around Remo Manfredini, played with remarkable nuance by Biscayart, a jockey whose life spirals out of control due to mounting personal and professional pressures. As a legendary jockey, Remo has everything riding on his next race—his career, his love life, and quite literally, his life. Burdened by debt to the menacing mob boss Sirena (Daniel Giménez Cacho), Remo is left with no choice but to push himself beyond physical and emotional limits to secure a victory.
However, things take a bizarre and tragic turn. After a catastrophic accident on the racetrack, Remo suffers a traumatic brain injury. From this point forward, the film takes its viewers on a surreal, dream-like journey, with Remo changing his name to Dolores, experimenting with his identity, and wandering the streets of Buenos Aires in a fur coat and bandages. This strange transformation is emblematic of Ortega’s exploration of themes like gender fluidity and the constant search for one’s true self.
Nahuel Pérez Biscayart’s Mesmerizing Performance
Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, known for his striking role in 120 BPM, delivers a multifaceted performance in Kill the Jockey. At the beginning of the film, his character Remo is the epitome of self-destruction—numbed by drugs, alcohol, and a reckless lifestyle. After his accident, however, Remo becomes a figure caught between worlds, slipping into various identities and personas with ease. Biscayart brings a silent-movie charm reminiscent of Buster Keaton, paired with a sense of chaotic danger, making his portrayal one of the film’s strongest elements.
Equally captivating is the chemistry between Remo and his girlfriend, Abril (Úrsula Corberó). A luminous and long-suffering character, Abril serves as the anchor to Remo’s chaotic journey. Together, they offer some of the film’s most emotional and poignant moments, particularly during their shared dance sequences, which blend physicality, sensuality, and an undercurrent of sadness.
Ortega’s Direction: A Playful, Surreal Journey
Luis Ortega, a celebrated Argentinian filmmaker known for El Angel (2018), brings his signature visual flair to Kill the Jockey. This film represents a step up in both ambition and narrative complexity, delving into themes of personal truth, identity, and self-destruction. Ortega’s direction allows the story to twist and turn unpredictably, blending genres and aesthetics to create an atmosphere that is as compelling as it is unsettling.
While Kill the Jockey features elements of a crime thriller, its unique mix of surrealism, dark comedy, and even a few sensual dance sequences make it impossible to categorize. At its core, the film is about breaking free from societal constraints—just as Remo breaks free from the racetrack after his accident. As the movie progresses, Ortega’s world becomes increasingly dream-like, further blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
This whimsical approach won’t appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a straightforward plot. At times, the narrative becomes disjointed, but that seems to be part of Ortega’s design. Rather than being a cohesive, linear story, Kill the Jockey thrives on its unpredictability and raw emotional intensity.
Where to Watch Kill the Jockey (2024) Online
As Kill the Jockey garners attention from film festivals and early critics, viewers in the U.S. are eager to find out where they can watch this movie. Here’s a breakdown of the current streaming and rental options:
Streaming Services
- HBO Max: Kill the Jockey is expected to make its debut on HBO Max, continuing their strong partnership with Warner Media, who helped finance the film.
- Mubi: Known for showcasing arthouse films and festival favorites, Kill the Jockey is a strong candidate for Mubi’s curated streaming platform.
- Amazon Prime Video: Following its theatrical run, there’s a high likelihood that Kill the Jockey will be available for streaming through Amazon Prime.
Rental & Purchase Options
- Apple TV: Kill the Jockey will likely be available for rent or purchase on Apple TV after its initial festival circuit.
- Google Play Movies: Google Play is another common platform for purchasing or renting new releases, especially for international films like this one.
- Vudu: A reliable service for movie rentals, Kill the Jockey should also be accessible on Vudu once it’s released.
Whether you’re looking to stream or rent, Kill the Jockey offers a unique cinematic experience that will be available across major platforms soon.
Final Thoughts: A High-Stakes Ride into Surrealism
Kill the Jockey is not your typical sports drama, nor is it a conventional crime thriller. Luis Ortega’s bold direction paired with Nahuel Pérez Biscayart’s transformative performance creates a film that feels like a fever dream. With its surrealist elements, the movie explores complex themes of identity, freedom, and the self-destructive nature of its central character.
While the film’s erratic pacing and offbeat humor may not appeal to everyone, fans of arthouse cinema and those who appreciate visually stunning, character-driven films will find much to admire here. It’s a high-stakes, strange, and unforgettable ride—one that you’ll either love or feel utterly perplexed by.
