Enemigos: Stream or Skip?

The heart of Enemigos (streaming on Amazon Prime Video) poses a thought-provoking question. If given the chance for revenge on those who wronged you, would you take it? Directed by David Valero, who co-wrote with Alfonso Almador, this film focuses on a teenage boy named Timo, hailing from a working-class family in Alicante, Spain. It’s more than just a drama; it’s a brief exploration of deeper philosophical questions, and that’s what ultimately gives it weight.

Key Points: Timo (Christian Chekka) receives an impressive new moped for his 18th birthday. He works delivering food and stocking shelves at a grocery store. Before long, he likens himself to the animated character Roadrunner as he zooms through the streets of Alicante, attempting to escape his bully, Rubio (Hugo Wellzel). Timo is an easy target, limping with the aid of prosthetic inserts in his shoes. Though he fights back at times, he mostly tends to freeze when confronted by Rubio and his gang.

You can picture Rubio spitting on Timo’s shiny yellow moped when he spots him. Shortly after, while Timo is on a date with a girl he finds attractive, he encounters Rubio and his crony in a parking lot. They threaten and insult him, and ultimately, Timo hands over his key. It’s humiliating and tough to watch. Timo’s decision not to report the theft makes things worse; his mother cries, and his sister Laura (Luna Pamies) is furious with him. Meanwhile, their grandfather (Jose Maria Paynado), battling dementia, quietly observes the family chaos. For Timo, bullying is more than physical; it’s a form of psychological torment. His tormentors post humiliating videos of him online, adding to his misery. He dives into a slump but eventually resolves to turn things around—he wants to help his mother open a churro shop. She bakes; he delivers. Though the girl he liked has moved on, he gradually starts feeling better about himself.

Timo’s routine includes dropping his grandfather off for physical therapy at the hospital. One day, as he’s about to leave, he overhears a commotion from a nearby room. The voice sounds eerily familiar. Peeking in, he finds Rubio on the table, berating his physiotherapist. Rubio, now quadriplegic due to a spinal injury, sees Timo and hurls a barrage of insults at him. This encounter seems to bolster Timo’s resolve, shifting the balance of power between them. Timo decides he can’t let this slide. He learns where Rubio lives, confronts him at his apartment, and demands a heartfelt apology. But, the harsh facade Rubio wears makes it clear that true remorse isn’t easily reached. Is there more to uncover beneath this surface? That’s the lingering question.

What Movies Does That Remind You Of? Enemigos evokes memories of Charlie Banks’ Education (by Fred Durst) and draws from themes explored in the documentary Bully.

Performance Worth Watching: In a role characterized by quiet resilience, Chekka conveys Timo’s emotional journey adeptly, often without needing words.

Memorable Conversation: Timo’s mother offers simple yet profound wisdom: “A brave man can do something, but he isn’t.”

Our Take: Timo’s mother shares another insight: you only have an enemy if you perceive one. Based on these ideas, Valero simplifies complex and intertwined themes with clarity and engagement. This very approach highlights Valero’s directorial debut, enhanced by a strong cast and a captivating sense of place, effectively portraying the vibrancy of Alicante. Many directors stumble trying to push boundaries in their first projects, but Valero opts for a more straightforward narrative focusing on character development and essential themes.

That said, Enemigos isn’t your typical predictable drama. The beauty lies in seeing the world through Timo’s eyes and questioning how we’d act in his position—whether it’s idealistic, realistic, or even self-destructive. The decisions made by Timo keep us invested, shaping the storyline. While the script occasionally veers toward an artificial conclusion, it offers a thoughtful reflection on human experiences. Although not every plot turn feels completely believable, this film is a compelling, gentle narrative infused with significant hopes.

Our Call: Enemigos is an insightful and authentic drama that illustrates the challenges of maintaining moral integrity. Definitely stream it.