4 stars

Set in 1960 Patagonia, at the start of Israel’s manhunt of Nazi war criminals, this is a powerful film based on true events. An Argentinian family meets a mysterious German doctor on their way to Lake Nahuel Huapi, and are quickly taken in by the stranger’s charm, manners and scientific knowledge. Inquisitive 12 year old Lilith, who having born prematurely is too small for her age, is fascinated with this doctor offering her the possibility of growing to a ‘normal size’.

Wakolda offers an intriguing glance at the haven that South America become for Nazi criminals, with a chilling and controlled portrayal of Joseph Mengele by Àlex Brendemühl. Stunning long shots of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding snow-capped mountains (the landscape mirrors central Europe), leave no doubt as to why it feels like home to escaped Nazis. There is the gated villa where Nazis undergo plastic surgery, a network of ‘trusted friends’ and, more remarkably still, a German-language school still instilling firm National Socialist values into the local children .

An thrillingly tense film keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat, impressive given that it’s historical nature means we know how it will end.  Despite this, the film’s close is still agonizing it’s portrayal of the harrowing legacy that Mengele left behind in South America. A gripping film by Lucia Puenzo well worth watching.

Rodolfo Barradas