A powerful thriller that confronts the wounds of the past with brutal honesty and emotional depth

Francisco J. Lombardi is back. And not just with another film, but with a cinematic statement that stirs, unsettles, and moves you. El corazón del lobo is out now — and if you’re into Latin American auteur cinema, this story will leave a mark.

Set during one of the darkest and most complex periods in recent Peruvian history — the years of Shining Path’s political violence — the film doesn’t offer easy answers. There are no clear heroes. What Lombardi delivers is a raw, intimate, and haunting journey into what it means to survive horror… and still hold on to your humanity.

Blending psychological thriller and social drama with his signature style, the director creates a gripping atmosphere where tension pulses through every frame. Each scene feels like a heartbeat. Or a scar.

The story follows characters that represent different faces of the conflict: lost innocence, paralyzing fear, guilt, resistance, and the instinct to protect what’s still alive amid the chaos. This isn’t just a movie about the past — it’s a striking reflection on pain that still lingers, both collectively and individually.

The film stars Víctor Acurio, who delivers another unforgettable performance, and introduces promising newcomer Jared Vicente Sánchez, who brings raw vulnerability to the screen. The cast also includes Silvana Díaz Goicochea, Paul Ramírez, Nidia Bermejo, Fiorella Díaz, and Aníbal Lozano.

El corazón del lobo doesn’t romanticize violence — but it dares to explore it with visual restraint and poetic depth. And that’s where the film’s real power lies: it forces us to look without flinching, but also with empathy. In a world filled with shallow storytelling, this film offers a courageous and necessary conversation about memory, trauma, and survival.

If you’re drawn to cinema with social impact, narratives that go beyond the surface, and stories that explore Latin American identity through raw emotion, this film is an absolute must-watch.