From writer/director Edgar Nito with the help of co-writer, Alfredo Mendoza, comes the piercing drama, The Gasoline Thieves (Huachicolero), a realistic look into the underworld that is illegal gasoline extraction in Mexico.
A teen by the name of Lalo comes from a poverty stricken family. School and work appears to be all he knows. He lives in a rundown part of town with his mother. Dad is not in the picture. The family struggles to makes ends meet. What little money they do have they use to help their ailing Uncle/Brother.
Lalo (Eduardo Banda) seems like your normal run-of-the-mill teenager. While he may be a misfit due to his financial status, he clearly still likes things kids his age like. Specifically, girls. Crush-struck Lalo makes his move on Ana (Regina Reynoso) after school. He is mocked (good-natured) at his attempt. Ana and her friends say that he needs to woo her, get her a gift, make her feel special. Anything more than, "Will you be my girlfriend?" One of the gifts Ana's friends suggest is a new iPhone. (If I was 14 and a girl told me she'd only go out with me if I spent $700 on a new iPhone, I'd kick her right in the shin. Perhaps I was raised poorly.)
Now, a penniless Lalo goes in search for a way to get money to purchase the iPhone for Ana. He knows a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy that can get him a job moving illegal gasoline. It is here we begin to spiral into the dark and gut-wrenching abyss of organized crime.
From the jump, writers Edgar Nito and Alfredo Mendoza punch the audience in the mouth and do not let up until the credits roll. They weave an unrelenting drama with very few redemptive moments, and yet, manage to keep you glued to your seat. Constantly in a state of wonder as to how this tale will end. The Gasoline Thieves also showcases wonderfully human performances by Fernando Becerril (Don Gil), Regina Reynoso (Ana), Pedro Joaquin (Rulo), and Myriam Bravo (Madre de Lalo). Also strong performances by the crew. Specifically, cinematographer, Juan Pablo Ramirez. Ramirez adds a certain depth to the story in each frame whether action is taking place or not. A true testament to the man's work.
The Gasoline Thieves is a must see. It's an incredible journey audiences won't soon forget. It almost feels like a realistic prelude to Mad Max: Fury Road. Minus a suspended guitarist shredding tasty licks. Am I the only one that made that leap for this dark as night drama? Probably.
The Gasoline Thieves recently celebrated its world premiere at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival and is part of the International Narrative Competition.
