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El Angel

El Angel

Inspired by true events.

2018118 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 80th percentile of all films
Director
Luis Ortega
Starring
Lorenzo Ferro, Chino Darín, Mercedes Morán, Daniel Fanego

Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1971. Carlos Robledo Puch is a 19-year-old boy with an angelic face, but a vocational thief as well, who acts ruthlessly, without remorse. When he meets Ramón, they follow together a dark path of crime and death.

Where to watch

Where can I watch El Angel?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists El Angel streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about El Angel?

El Angel earns 5 badges, led by Visual feast and Standout soundtrack.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is El Angel worth watching?

El Angel's Midcredits score is the 80th percentile of all films, from 61K ratings across 6 sources. 69% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

80th percentile

Better received than 80% of films

68th percentile among Biography80th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)80th
Approval (how many liked it)77th

70 /100

80th percentile of all films

74th percentile among Biography79th percentile among 2010s

Critics 61 · Audience 71

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.0 — solid but not unanimous.

69% liked it

77th percentile of all films

61st percentile among Biography78th percentile among 2010s
69% rated it 7–1031% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 19 wins / 27 noms overall

93rd percentile

61K ratings across platforms

84th percentile among Biography93rd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 21% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$23K
Domestic gross$110K
Worldwide gross$5.6M

59th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A stylish but superficial biopic that prioritizes aesthetic cool over gritty realism.

Fans praised

  • Stylish 1970s period reconstruction and cinematography
  • Lorenzo Ferro's charismatic, baby-faced performance as the sociopathic killer
  • Energetic soundtrack and musical sequences

Detractors panned

  • Whitewashes the killer's crimes, omitting rape and violence
  • Slow pacing with little tension or action
  • Flat, conventional script lacking psychological depth

What stands out

Cinematography85

Stunning visual style, vivid 70s color palette and production design

Sound and music80

Fantastic soundtrack of Argentine rock and period songs

Acting78

Lorenzo Ferro praised as charismatic and chilling; some critics note inexperience and forced line delivery

Atmosphere75

Authentic 1970s Buenos Aires immersion through sets, costumes, and mood

Characters45

Carlos portrayed as charming psychopath; supporting characters called forgettable or underdeveloped

Plot and storyDivisive40

Linear crime spree without narrative innovation; omits darker real events

PacingDivisive35

Slow and boring for many; fans find it watchable

OriginalityDivisive35

Derivative of Scorsese and Almodóvar; few new angles on serial killer biopic

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Under-30s

Under-30s scored it 12 points higher than over-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is El Angel like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, has a few laughs and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrillingAbsurd
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
PlayfulWry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its psychopathic protagonist with a playful, almost affectionate tone, undercutting the horror of his crimes with a pop sensibility.
The rideThe film builds tension through escalating crime and violence, with thrilling bursts during heists and an absurd undercurrent from the contrast of Carlitos's angelic looks and brutal acts; the heaviest stretch comes at the end with his capture and life sentence.
StructureConventional linear narrative following Carlitos from adolescence to arrest.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's playful depiction of a remorseless killer leaves an unsettling aftertaste, lingering as a commentary on charm and violence.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% (this title) · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Corruption arc: Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).

9% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film traces a teen's steady descent into violent crime, structured as a corruption arc from casual theft to serial murder.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfViolenceSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% (this title) · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% (this title) · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

Violence · 4% of filmsObsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Fame · 3% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how violence escalates from theft to homicide, tied to Carlitos's compulsion to steal and his need for attention, which turns him into a celebrity criminal.
StanceThe film questions what drives a person to violence and fame without celebrating or condemning Carlitos outright, keeping the focus on his personal trajectory rather than societal reform.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
RockSupportive music · hybrid
SettingBuenos Aires and environs during the 1970s, moving between middle-class homes and crime scenes
MusicThe soundtrack likely features period rock and pop to evoke the late 20th century setting

Content guide

Is El Angel okay for kids?

Not Rated

El Angel is not rated. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (63/100), sexual content at moderate (48/100), language at moderate (50/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (58/100) and frightening material at moderate (46/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • Germany16
  • FranceU
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea18
  • Argentina16
  • Hong KongIII
  • Hungary16
  • Poland16
  • Russia18+
  • Spain16
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 60%
Profanity
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (52 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does El Angel have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in El Angel?

Cast

Lorenzo Ferro
as Carlos
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Chino Darín
as Ramón
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mercedes Morán
as Ana María
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Daniel Fanego
as José
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Luis Gnecco
as Héctor
Cecilia Roth
as Aurora
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Malena Villa
as Gemelas
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Marcelo D'Andrea
as Comisario
Peter Lanzani
as Miguel Prieto
Fernando Contigiani
as Pibe Kiosco 1
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like El Angel?

Movies like El Angel include The Bling Ring (2013), Summer of Sam (1999) and The Bikeriders (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, most are corruption arc stories, and most are stories about partners in crime.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its praise for cinematography. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with El Angel?

153 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: serial killer. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.