The Accused (2018)

The Accused Poster
Original Title: Acusada

Dolores lived the life of a higher-class student until her best friend was found brutally murdered. Two years later, she’s the only indicted suspect for a crime that attracts a lot of media attention and has placed her in the center of the public eye. Dolores spends her days preparing for the trial, secluded in her house as her parents work as a team ready to do anything to defend their daughter. The best lawyer is not enough, they obsessively control around her: how she looks, what she does, eats and who she sees. But as the trial moves forward and pressure grows, suspicion and secrets emerge within the family. Cornered, increasingly isolated and just when any mistake could prove disastrous, Dolores puts the entire strategy at risk.

Film Overview
"The Accused" is an Argentinian courtroom drama movie directed by Gonzalo Tobal, released in 2018. It stars Lali Espósito as Dolores, an university student accused of killing her best friend at a celebration. Other critical functions include renowned Argentinian actors Inés Estevez and Leonardo Sbaraglia.

Plot Summary
The film starts when Dolores is implicated of murdering her best friend, Camila, post a wild party. Dolores is taken into custody and waits for trial while her well-to-do household employs a reputed attorney, Luis (Leonardo Sbaraglia), to fight her case. A specific piece of evidence versus Dolores is a sex tape shot during the party, which apparently shows Dolores's motive for murder. Regardless of the video going viral and popular opinion turning versus her, Dolores maintains her innocence.

Dolores' Defense
Throughout the trial, Dolores stays primarily silent about the specifics of the party night. She refuses to conform to her defense attorney's strategy of painting her as the 'victim' that the jury might sympathize with. Her silence is reinforced when she understands that her young sweetheart, who was also present at the party, may be implicated if the truth comes out. As her relationship with her attorney evolves, Dolores slowly begins to trust him enough to expose what really took place that night.

The Trial
Throughout the trial, the defense team does an excellent task of countering the prosecution's case versus Dolores. Luis tactically challenges the district attorneys' witnesses and expert statements, efficiently calling into question the proof provided against Dolores. The movie focuses greatly on the courtroom proceedings, offering a nosedive into Argentina's legal system and the pervasive culture of victim-blaming in society.

The Verdict and Aftermath
In the climax, Dolores finally admits independently to Luis what occurred on the night of the party. It's left uncertain to the audience whether Luis knows of Dolores' innocence or guilt. The jury eventually acquits Dolores, leading her to break down emotionally. The movie avoids explicitly absolving Dolores or linking her, leaving viewers to face whether she was a victim or a wrongdoer.

Crucial Acclaim
"The Accused" has gotten vital acclaim for its gripping portrayal of the court procedures, its exploration into social perceptions, and the effect of media on shaping public opinion. Espósito's performance as a girl caught in a storm of accusations has likewise been extensively admired. However, the film's ending may leave some viewers unsatisfied - basically, the concern of Dolores' innocence or regret is never ever definitively answered. 'The Accused' served as a testament to the intricacies associated with such cases where the fact frequently lies someplace between the lines of the wrongdoer and the victim.

Top Cast

  • Lali Espósito (small)
    Lali Espósito
    Dolores
  • Gael García Bernal (small)
    Gael García Bernal
    Mario Elmo
  • Leonardo Sbaraglia (small)
    Leonardo Sbaraglia
    Luis
  • Daniel Fanego (small)
    Daniel Fanego
    Ignacio
  • Inés Estévez (small)
    Inés Estévez
    Betina
  • Gerardo Romano (small)
    Gerardo Romano
    Fiscal Taboada
  • Martina Campos
    Flo
  • Emilio Vodanovich
    Martin
  • Lautaro Rodríguez (small)
    Lautaro Rodríguez
    Lucas
  • Ana Garibaldi (small)
    Ana Garibaldi
    Marisa
  • Margarita Molfino (small)
    Margarita Molfino