‘A Yard of Jackals’ Trailer: Tension Soars in Diego Figueroa’s Psychological Thriller | Exclusive First Look
‘A Yard of Jackals’ Trailer Unveiled: A Frantic Psychological Thriller from Diego Figueroa Chilean filmmaker Diego Figueroa’s gripping thriller, A Yard of Jackals, takes you inside a world of tension, paranoia, and intrigue. Get a first look at the trailer ahead of its global release.
A deep sense of dread and suspense fills the screen in the first official trailer for A Yard of Jackals (“Patio de chacales”), a psychological thriller directed by the Chilean newcomer Diego Figueroa. Premiering at the 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s First Feature Competition, this film is already drawing intense buzz for its ability to transport viewers into a mind-bending, anxiety-filled journey that blurs the line between reality and paranoia.
After making waves at prestigious film markets like Sanfic Industria and participating in events like the IAFFM and Malaga’s Mafiz, Figueroa’s A Yard of Jackals promises a sensory and emotional experience like no other. The film’s world premiere in Estonia has led to an overwhelmingly positive reception, further igniting excitement for its upcoming screenings at Ventana Sur, Latin America’s largest film market.
A Haunting Tale of Paranoia and Survival
The story of A Yard of Jackals follows Raúl (Néstor Cantillana), a reserved man who lives a quiet life caring for his sick mother (Grimanesa Jiménez) and meticulously crafting architectural models. His calm existence shatters when a group of sinister new neighbors moves in, engaging in shadowy activities that disturb Raúl’s sense of reality. What starts as a low-key life quickly spirals into an obsessive investigation as Raúl seeks to uncover the truth about his dangerous new neighbors.
In his search for answers, Raúl confides in Laura (Blanca Lewin), a calm and empathetic figure he meets at a local textile shop. Together, they navigate the mounting tension of the unknown, but their investigation only intensifies Raúl’s growing paranoia. The chemistry between Cantillana and Lewin, both of whom are familiar to audiences from the acclaimed HBO series Fugitives (“Prófugos”), adds depth to the film’s increasingly claustrophobic atmosphere.
A Cinematic Experience Rooted in Tension and Sound
From the very first moments of the trailer, the tension is palpable. The unsettling score by Diego de la Fuente Curaqueo amplifies the mounting sense of distress, each note adding to Raúl’s unraveling mind. The filmmakers use every tool in their arsenal, including powerful sound design, to immerse the audience in Raúl’s increasingly chaotic world. Each distant helicopter, every eerie howl, and the dissonance of the soundtrack serve to heighten the suffocating dread that Raúl feels.
Figueroa’s vision is clear: to make the viewer feel as though they are inside Raúl’s mind, experiencing his unraveling sanity firsthand. “The main goal is to place the viewer in the protagonist’s mind and make the experience transcend the screen,” Figueroa explained. “Cinema allows you to live stories, not just watch them.” The haunting world of A Yard of Jackals is steeped in emotional and psychological tension, offering a unique cinematic language to tell the story of a man pushed to the edge.
Reflecting on Chile’s Dark Past
Set against the backdrop of 1978, during a time of silent state violence under the Pinochet regime, A Yard of Jackals also reflects the oppressive atmosphere of a nation under constant surveillance. Figueroa and his team use sound and visual storytelling to subtly weave themes of guilt, helplessness, and the fight for redemption into the thriller’s narrative.
Producer Alejandro Ugarte of Infractor Films shared his thoughts on the film’s immersive atmosphere. “The film has been recognized for its unsettling, meticulous atmosphere, using sound and visuals to convey paranoia and isolation,” he said. “It invites the audience to reflect on the emotional burden of extreme circumstances.”
The cast also includes Consuelo Holzapfel, Maria Jesus Marcone, and Juan Cano, with voiceovers by Pablo Schwarz and Rodrigo Perez, bringing depth to the chilling narrative.
Exciting Upcoming Screenings and Global Buzz
‘A Yard of Jackals’ is set to continue its festival journey with a market screening in Montevideo on December 4th, followed by its Chilean premiere at FicViña on November 28th. The film will see a national theatrical release in Chile starting January 23, 2024, through Storyboard Media.
The buzz surrounding A Yard of Jackals is only growing. As Figueroa’s psychological thriller makes its mark at international festivals and markets, the film’s unsettling atmosphere, innovative use of sound, and gripping storyline promise to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
Quentin Worthington, Head of Sales and Acquisitions at MPM Premium, expressed his excitement about the film’s potential: “A Yard of Jackals tells the hard story of Chile, using sound as an innovative cinematic language and thriller codes to engage international audiences.”
Conclusion:
With its world-class performances, nail-biting suspense, and profound exploration of the human psyche, A Yard of Jackals is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about thrillers of the year. Whether you’re drawn to psychological thrillers or interested in thought-provoking, international cinema, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
