This fact-based drama is a raw, and yet gripping experience. This film does an incredible job of helping you understand the harsh environment these characters grew up in, and how it shaped them. We become witness to a place where violence is so commonplace, that it barely raises an eyebrow. And the film also creates a highly memorable villain with Zé, especially in his early scenes as a kid; his savage bloodlust at such a young age is a truly haunting and terrifying image that won’t leave your mind. The editing and directing are incredible, and the style is unique without being showy. While I wouldn’t quite rank it as one of cinema’s very best, it’s still a fantastic, chilling experience worth watching.

Rating: 4.5/5