Our take
Barreda is a heavy true-crime film from Argentina about a family murder. A man kills people in his family and then tries to look like the victim. The mood is tense and sad, more fear in the house than gore. Guns, strong language, and emotional abuse. For ages 17 and up
Uplifting themes
It pushes back on blaming victims, and on news that can make a killer look like the hurt one The women try to resist. Some people refuse to believe the killer's story A hard film for talking about family violence, control at home, and news that twists a crime. For mature viewers
Story (may spoil tone)
A fictionalized drama film based on one of the most shocking crimes in Argentina's history. In 1992, Ricardo Barreda was an unassuming dentist, brutally murdered his wife, mother-in-law, and two adult daughters in their family home. Branding himself as a victim, Ricardo Barreda ignited a media storm and fueled a national scandal.
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence A real family murder. A shotgun killing is shown briefly. Guns and talk…
A real family murder. A shotgun killing is shown briefly. Guns and talk of the killings run through the film
Language Lots of strong language in police talks, court, and news scenes, includ…
Lots of strong language in police talks, court, and news scenes, including the f-word, son of a b-word, a-word, and s-word
Sex / nudity Court talk mentions an affair. No nudity or sex scenes
Court talk mentions an affair. No nudity or sex scenes
Frightening Fear in the home builds for a long time. It feels like true crime, not…
Fear in the home builds for a long time. It feels like true crime, not a jump-scare horror film
Bullying / discrimination Women in the home are controlled and humiliated. The cruelty is emotion…
Women in the home are controlled and humiliated. The cruelty is emotional, not schoolyard teasing
Gore / death / weapons Shotguns are central. The killing is short and not very bloody
Shotguns are central. The killing is short and not very bloody
Dangerous behaviour Guns are part of a real crime. The film does not make shooting look cool
Guns are part of a real crime. The film does not make shooting look cool
Mental health Heavy control and isolation. A man tries to paint himself as the victim…
Heavy control and isolation. A man tries to paint himself as the victim after hurting his family
Gambling Someone mentions a gambling problem once
Someone mentions a gambling problem once
Grief / bereavement Four family members are killed. The film keeps returning to that loss a…
Four family members are killed. The film keeps returning to that loss and the empty house
Talk after watching
- The film shows control at home without always showing hits. What warning signs did you notice?
- How does news in the film change what people think about a violent crime?