Susan Granger’s review of “Time Share” (Netflix)
Who doesn’t love vacationing in luxurious resorts located in warm, exotic places? What if you could actually own a place in paradise, one that’s yours for a week each year? That’s the seductive premise of “Time Share,” writer/director Sebastian Hofmann’s bizarre Mexican thriller.
Shortly after Pedro (Luis Gerardo Mendaz), his wife Eva (Cassandra Ciangherotti) and their young son are dropped off at their spacious villa, they discover it’s been double-booked. Another family, headed by gregarious Abel (Andreas Almeida), appears to also have reservations for the same poolside bungalow.
It’s admittedly an administrative error on the part of management but, since Pedro booked at a highly discounted rate and no other rooms are available, he and Eva are not only forced to share their accommodations and but also to participate in a manipulative ‘time share’ sales presentation by Tom (RJ Mitte).
Meanwhile – deep in the recesses of the underground laundry – dazed, depressed Andres (Miguel Rodarte) does menial work while his ambitious wife Gloria (Monserrat Maranon) attends yet another sales ‘training’ program – since the tropical resort property has recently been acquired by Everfield, a ruthless American conglomerate.
As Pedro grows increasingly paranoid, Tom’s indoctrination, stressing that they’re all considered ‘family,’ persists – and there’s a creepy, yet confusing increasing sense of foreboding. But why so slow-moving and subtle? That sluggishness and lack of urgency is what makes the conclusion emotionally unsatisfying,
This film premiered at the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and was subsequently released in Mexico. Now as Netflix expands its International offerings, it’s being heavily promoted.
In Spanish with English subtitles, “Time Share” is an insidious, satirical 6, streaming on Netflix.
