AFI Fest Report: 7 Virgins Review

Once again weighing in from the AFI Festival, here's Peter Martin with a look at Spanish drama 7 Virgins.

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Tono wants to get high, have sex with his girl, ride around on his motor scooter, and hang out with his friends. Sounds like a typical teenage weekend, except when you consider Tono (Juan Jose Ballesta) has been released from jail for just 48 hours so he can attend his brother's wedding.

Older brother Santacana (Vicente Romero) drops Tono off with the admonition not to get into trouble, so, of course, it's not long before Tono and his best buddy Richi (Jesus Carroza) are fleeing from a shopping mall security guard after Richi snatches someone's wallet. Tono admonishes Ricchi that he must remain clean -- he is out on temporary parole, after all -- but the words never sink in, and the two careen around Barcelona, from a swimming pool to a nightclub to the privacy of their rooms where they contemplate the dark night of their souls -- not!.

Actually, Tono does give the appearance of keeping his conduct circumspect, and keeps trying to rein in Richi's more criminal impulses. The oblivious Ricchi simply follows his basest instincts until -- somewhat predictably -- Things Go Bad.

Director Alberto Rodriguez defies most stereotypes and defines Tono as a remarkable character by showing how
he reacts in different situations. With his rough and tumble buddies, he's a man's man; with his pretty girlfriend Patri (Alba Rodriguez), he's a die-hard romantic yearning for love; with his older brother, he's the defiant black sheep of the family. And when push comes to shove, Tono's face tightens up and he becomes truly frightening.

The style of the film is breezy despite the troubling undercurrents, and the story races to a stirring conclusion without ever feeling rushed. 7 VIRGINS is definitely recommended.

Recently released in Spain -- and doing quite well at the box office -- 7 VIRGINS does not yet have North American distribution. It will have its U.S. Premiere at AFI FEST on Sunday, November 6 at 9:30 p.m. and will also play on Tuesday, November 8, at 4:15 p.m.

Ticket information is available at the AFI FEST web site.

More information about the film is available at its official web site.