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Armand: My Last Movie Before the Oscars, but It Tops My List

Writer: Jorge Santa CruzJorge Santa Cruz

A cinematic still from the film Armand, featuring an intense scene set in a confined space like a classroom or hallway, symbolizing the film's gripping storytelling and layered narrative. Reviewed by Jorge Santa Cruz, this film stands out as his top pick before the 2025 Oscars. Read the full review at www.alas.city.

At first glance, Armand appears small. The story unfolds within the confines of a classroom, a bathroom, and a couple of hallways—hardly the vast landscapes or intricate set pieces that typically define epic cinema. Yet, as the film unravels, it expands, feeling as monumental as a world war. This is achieved not through spectacle, but through the depth of its characters’ interactions. We, as viewers, may not know these characters at the outset, but they know each other intimately, and their battle for dominance, truth, and understanding transforms the delivery of information into an utterly gripping experience.


One of the most fascinating aspects of Armand is its structure. If watched backward, the film would make more conventional sense, but it would lose its mesmerizing effect. The true thrill lies in the way the narrative reveals itself—information is doled out at a deliberate pace, ensuring that each revelation reshapes our perception of what came before. The tension never wanes; instead, it accelerates, keeping the audience in a constant state of intrigue until the very last moment.


Artistically, Armand is a triumph. It is rich with symbolism, using objects and seemingly mundane details to hold hidden layers of meaning that the viewer must actively interpret. Some might argue that the film’s structure is a narrative trick—after all, it throws us right into the heart of the conflict, ensuring that every piece of new information feels like a revelation. However, it never cheats the audience. The film doesn’t allow for passive viewing; it doesn’t let you sit back and think, “Ah, if only I had known that earlier.” Instead, it continuously challenges and rewards the viewer with its intricate web of clues and implications.


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