Cronos

What would you give to live forever?

In the 14th century, an alchemist uncovers the solution to one of history’s great troubles: A device that, in theory, can grant eternal life.

Killed by a fatal injury four hundred years later, his device slips away. It eventually ends up in the hands of Jesús Gris, an elderly antiques dealer. Unaware of what he is dealing with, he accidentally activates it. Curiously, he soon finds himself younger and healthier than he has been in a long time, but plagued by a brand new desire: A thirst for human blood.

Cronos is director Guillermo del Toro’s first feature. Upon release, it was met with great enthusiasm in its home country of Mexico and among international critics, earning the Grand Prix at the Critics’ Week at the Cannes Film Festival. Though it lacked the budget to deliver the grand visuals del Toro is known for, many of his directorial trademarks can still be found in Cronos, such as his portrayal of religion and the relationship between monster and man.

Jenny Lund