Abel (2010)

93% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
52% want to see it
(239 ratings)

Actor Diego Luna stepped behind the camera to direct this warm drama about a young boy whose emotional problems take him in an unexpected direction. Abel is an unstable child whose issues have only gotten worse since his father walked out on the family. No one in the household is sure what to do for… More Actor Diego Luna stepped behind the camera to direct this warm drama about a young boy whose emotional problems take him in an unexpected direction. Abel is an unstable child whose issues have only gotten worse since his father walked out on the family. No one in the household is sure what to do for Abel or how they should behave around him, and a stay in a mental hospital does little to ground him. However, one day Abel wakes up and decides that he's the man of the house, and begins acting like his absent father rather than the youngest child. To the surprise of everyone, adult responsibilities agree with Abel, and the family seems significantly happier with his new personality. But this proves to be short-lived when Abel's real dad unexpectedly returns, and the two vie for the status of head of the household. Abel received its world premiere at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Diego Luna
Written By: Diego Luna, Augusto Mendoza
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

Studio: Lionsgate Films

Critic Reviews

Philip French, Guardian [UK]
After its edgy, deliberately puzzling first hour, it starts to run out of steam, but at 85 minutes it doesn't overstay its welcome.
Allan Hunter, Daily Express
Diego Luna's promising debut as a director is a slight and charming tale of a troubled young boy's retreat into fantasy.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
Enjoyable, off-beat drama that's both darkly funny and emotionally engaging, thanks to assured direction from Diego Luna and a terrific central performance from young Christopher Ruiz-Esparza.
David Edwards, Daily Mirror [UK]
A slow-burning but satisfying comedy that goes for gentle humour rather than belly laughs.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
It's an intriguing film...
Tom Seymour, Little White Lies
Abel may mark the beginning of a major new Latin American voice.
Leo Robson, Financial Times
A comedy that is creepy and amusing in just the right measures.
David Parkinson, Radio Times
Luna makes fine use of production designer Brigitte Broch's shabbily cosy interiors to prevent the film from turning into a twee shantytown fairy tale...
Rob Daniel, Sky Movies
Mexican cinema adds another gem to its treasure chest.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Engrossing, intelligent fare.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
Engaging and involving, and so bizarre that it's impossible to predict where the story's going
Anna Smith, Empire Magazine
Tender and affecting.
Matt Mueller, Total Film
Abel is blighted by limp plotting and anaemic characters, leaving it as flat as a steamrollered tortilla.
Annlee Ellingson, Moving Pictures Magazine
After nearly two decades in front of the camera, Luna has learned a thing or two about how to work behind it as well.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Fernando Rafael Q

The drama lies in everyday situations for adults, but dangerous ones for children. The comedy presents itself in the hilarity of kids acting as grownups. John Malkovich-produced Mexican dramedy is sort of reminiscent of 'Lars and the Real Girl' in the way those who surround… More
The drama lies in everyday situations for adults, but dangerous ones for children. The comedy presents itself in the hilarity of kids acting as grownups. John Malkovich-produced Mexican dramedy is sort of reminiscent of 'Lars and the Real Girl' in the way those who surround a character with severe mental issues act and react. Strong performances from first-time actor Christopher Ruiz-Esparza, Karina Gidi and Diego Luna's friend and frequent collaborator, 'Chema' Yázpik. Unfortunately, in the end, the film doesn't wrap up neatly, it just finishes.