Positivo negativo invites us to linger in the stillness of time in a small town and the countryside—to see what happens when apparently nothing is happening, and to listen in all directions. Immersing ourselves in the image of a ferry crossing from one side of the river to the other or experiencing the anguish of someone stuck in the mud allows us to be surprised by the peculiarities of the Colombian Caribbean’s savannah. David Aguilera Cogollo’s debut film impresses the audience with perceptive directing and extraordinary camerawork that scrutinizes the landscape and protagonists with patience and an all-encompassing perspective.

Stranded in that time and landscape, we meet Ángel, an old man involved in dark rituals—both a sorcerer and a phony, an actor and himself—who is despicable and dangerous, in the words of Gómez Jattin, as recited by the character. Although he seeks to pass down his powers to someone in his family, the intended recipient is reluctant to receive them. However, his grandson seems interested, and whoever watches the film will join him at the crossroads between his powers and his own peace of mind.

María Alejandra Buelvas