The Untamed (2016) La región salvaje

A couple in a troubled marriage locate a meteorite, initiating an encounter with a mysterious creature. Their lives are turned upside down by the discovery of the creature, which is a source of both pleasure and destruction.

After exploring a real-world nightmare in "Heli," co-writer/director Amat Escalante returns with something sinister from outer space for "The Untamed," though the effort is far from a traditional alien terror extravaganza. The helmer goes for unease with this study of relationships and profound sexual experiences, with Escalante working a more metaphorical route to disturbing behavior, locating unusual suspense as he achieves a clear view of domestic dysfunction.

"The Untamed" is almost indescribable, delving into the lives of a husband and wife, her brother and a friend, as they manage sex, lies, and closeted behavior, dealing with interpersonal issues while a tentacle-wiggling creature with command over human sexuality is cared for in a remote cabin, enjoying those daring to submit to its bodily magic. Escalante understands the potency of such imagery, saving the really bizarre stuff for the final act, but he manages to build a compelling sense of betrayal and threat along the way, generating relationship anguish that's realistic, while ultimately heading in a fantastical direction.