The enigmatic world of ‘Kill the Jockey’: A deep dive into identity and chaos
A jockey’s paradox: Control and chaos
To be a jockey is to embody both athletic prowess and a sense of dependency. While the horse often takes center stage, the jockey remains a crucial yet somewhat invisible figure, ostensibly in control but ultimately at the mercy of the animal’s instincts. This paradox is vividly explored in “Kill the Jockey”, where the star rider, Remo Manfredini, finds his identity unraveling after a catastrophic accident. Directed by Argentine filmmaker Luis Ortega, this film oscillates between frenzied farce, pulpy gangster drama, and musings on gender identity, creating a narrative as untethered as its protagonist.
Luis Ortega’s cinematic journey
Luis Ortega has been a notable figure in the film industry since his debut with “Black Box” in 2002. His profile soared with the 2018 Cannes-selected thriller “El Angel”, produced by Pedro Almodóvar. “Kill the Jockey”, which premiered in competition at Venice, continues this upward trajectory. The film’s unique blend of humor, liveliness, and novelty makes it a compelling watch for global arthouse audiences. Even without Almodóvar’s direct involvement, the influence of his early, sensually charged work is evident. The film also benefits from the distinctive cinematography of Timo Salminen, known for his work with Aki Kaurismäki, blending deadpan absurdism with Latin melodrama.
A surreal opening: Setting the tone
The film opens with a semi-surreal scene in a grimy Buenos Aires bar, filled with an assortment of misfits and miscreants. The arrival of heavies wielding riding crops disrupts the scene, leading us to Remo (played by Nahuel Pérez Biscayart), who is heavily intoxicated instead of preparing for an imminent race. Despite being dragged to the racetrack by these derby mafiosi, Remo continues to drink, mixing whisky with horse tranquilizer. Unsurprisingly, he fails to make it out of the starting gate, a reflection of his spiraling alcoholism that threatens both his career and his relationship with fellow jockey Abril (Ursula Corberó), who is pregnant with his child.
The downward spiral
Remo’s self-destructive behavior doesn’t seem to trouble him much. “What good are morals and sensibility if you lose your mind along the way?” he muses, clearly far along in the mind-losing process. However, racing boss and ganglord Sirena (Daniel Gimenez Cacho) is less forgiving. Concerned about his prize rider’s downward spiral and the substantial debts Remo owes him, Sirena forces him into substance testing. This gets Remo nominally back on track, but during a high-stakes race, nature intervenes dramatically. His horse bolts into traffic, leaving Remo with seemingly terminal injuries.
A curious transformation
The film takes an even more curious turn in its second half. Remo improbably wakes from his coma, not quite himself. Donning another patient’s fur coat and handbag, he leaves the hospital and roams the streets, unsure of his identity. As Sirena’s henchmen hunt for him, Remo begins experimenting with makeup, leading to a complete regendering. Children identify him as their mother, and a new name is assumed without comment. This transformation is fluid and dreamlike, reflecting on the multitude of selves that can inhabit one body.
A fragmented human experience
“Kill the Jockey” doesn’t offer a clear statement or allegory. Instead, it presents a fragmented human experience, inviting viewers to interpret it as they will. Nahuel Pérez Biscayart’s performance anchors the film’s nebulous ideas, bringing pathos to Ortega’s madcap storytelling. His wiry physicality and comically haunted demeanor evoke a Buster Keaton-like presence, enhanced by Beatriz Di Benedetto’s superb costume design and Salminen’s high-contrast lighting. The film treats Remo as a constantly evolving portrait, with nothing inside him remaining still or settled.
Final thoughts
“Kill the Jockey” is a film that defies easy categorization. Its blend of humor, chaos, and introspection makes it a unique cinematic experience. For those interested in exploring the malleability of identity and the chaotic nature of human existence, this film offers a thought-provoking journey. Whether you’re a cinema enthusiast, a TV series aficionado, or a music lover, “Kill the Jockey” provides a rich tapestry of themes and emotions to ponder.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Kill the Jockey.