“My husband, the doctor” might sound like a
good happily ever prospect, but not to Isabel Herrera. That is because she is
already married, but not to Jorge Toledo. Nevertheless, the medically trained
psychopath is determined they can be happy together in Diego Cohen’s Honeymoon (trailer
here), which screens as part of Mexico’s Morbido Fest 2015.
Herrera always thought Toledo was a
friendly neighbor, but he was actually dangerously obsessed. After a tireless
study of her habits, he finally strikes. Having inherited a house that takes up
most of the block across the street from her, Toledo has plenty of room to set
up her dungeon. With the use of an electric shock dispensing dog collar, Toledo
will try to condition her into accepting their so-called “marriage.” Yet, as one can well imagine, Herrera remains
resentful and troublesome.
Man, this is a tough film to watch at
times. However, in Cohen’s defense, it must be said Cohen gives himself one
heck of a Hitchcockian cameo. You will know it when you see it. There is also a
monster third act twist that will leave your faith in humanity even further
depleted. On the other hand, it is hard to fathom how anyone could forget about
the shocking dog collar after enduring one or two zaps to the nervous system.
Yet, somehow Herrera inevitably does just that.
Regardless, Hector Kotsifakis is absolutely
chilling as Toledo and Paulina Ahmed plays each of Herrera’s harrowing scenes
with admirable conviction. Alberto Agnesi also hits the precise right notes as
her husband, Pablo, but the film is essentially a two-hander—and what bitter,
grueling company the two of them make.
