7 Boxes

A grim original thriller, 7 Boxes is set entirely in a busy urban market in Asunción, Paraguay, where adolescent hero Victor (Celso Franco) serves as a freelance porter, carrying customer purchases in his makeshift wheelbarrow for a small fee. An older, coldblooded rival named Nelson (Victor Sosa) becomes a lethal enemy when Victor is hired—instead of Nelson—to transport seven boxes packed with something unknown. The fact that the boxes came from criminals who are connected to a butcher shop offers a clue that Victor and his wheelbarrow might draw a lot of unwanted attention. And that's exactly what happens, as both police and Nelson (with his ruthless gang) follow in pursuit, forcing Victor to spend a night hiding and darting around the maze-like street market. Filmmakers Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schémbori keep the chase going at a fever pitch while managing to interweave a subplot about Victor's sister, as well as a romantic interest for Victor. Violent and unsettling, this powerful and unusual action film is recommended. (T. Keogh)