Zama

In a remote South American colony in the late 18th century, Don Diego de Zama, a magistrate, waits in vain for a transfer to a more prestigious location, succumbing to lust and paranoia as he navigates petty politicking and small humiliations. His desire for a better life is constantly thwarted by the whims of his superiors, who seem more interested in maintaining their own power than in serving the needs of their underlings. As Zama's frustration grows, he becomes embroiled in a series of absurd and deadly misadventures, from hunting down a notorious outlaw to being captured and enslaved by an indigenous tribe. Written and directed by Argentine filmmaker Lucrecia Martel, "Zama" is a scathing critique of colonialism and class dynamics that offers a series of insightful observations on the human condition.