“Two boys, a house, an uncomfortable mise-en-scène and the weight of violence. In a word: masterpiece.” - Sitges Film Festival

From one of the most original voices in new Mexican cinema, Amat Escalante (Sangre), comes The Bastards - a nihilistic drama akin to a slow-motion spin on Michael Haneke's Funny Games.

Two young men from Mexico, working illegally in southern California, struggle with a malevolent request and come to a decision driven by survival.

For a generation teethed on quick-cut action/violence, The Bastards - with its lengthy shots and fully extended anamorphic framing - demonstrates how extreme brutality can manifest through stillness and silence.

The Bastards has won awards at multiple festivals, including Best Film at last year's Sitges film festival.

Director Amat Escalante is a guest of the Festival.