Once-renowned jockey Remo Manfredi (Nahuel Pérez Biscayart) has run out of track. Perpetually inebriated, hopped up on horse drugs, and in hock to a minor mafioso, Remo seems to have a death wish. His girlfriend and fellow jockey Abril (Úrsula Corberó) is pregnant, but more invested in the libidinous equestrian underworld than in their drab domestic existence. Remo’s only hope of getting out of debt and starting a new life is riding on Mishima, a thoroughbred specially imported from Japan for his next big race. When Mishima leaps over the fence, Remo winds up in the hospital with a life-threatening concussion. Hunted by the mob and replaced in Abril’s bed by the alluring Ana (Mariana Di Girolamo), Remo dons a disguise and finds himself as herself, wandering the streets of Buenos Aires in a striking mink coat and going by the name Dolores. A wild and surreal crime comedy from Luis Ortega (El Angel), Kill the Jockey explores the fluidity of identity, desire, and animal magnetism in a wholly original and unpredictable register.

For in-depth thoughts on Kill the Jockey, please see my colleague Dave Giannini’s review from its original theatrical release here.

Video Quality

Kill the Jockey comes to Blu-Ray courtesy of Music Box Selects with a 1080p transfer that captures the unique aesthetic effortlessly. The detail on display provides some nice complexity within the production design and clothing. Elements such as compression artifacts or other unwanted digital anomalies are not an impediment to this image. Black levels maintain great shadow detail with no signs of crush. Colors are somewhat subdued with distinct hues shining through in more brightly lit environments. The cinematography of the film maintains a natural look that excels in high definition. Skin tones are consistent, and there are some excellent facial details present, especially in close-ups. This Blu-Ray release gives us everything we want from the image.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray comes with an effective DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track in the original Spanish which brings the story to life with an assured hand. There is a valuable rhythm of activity in the film, and this track presents the movie exactly as it was intended. The film is largely driven by dialogue, but any use of music gives the track an extra bit of vibrancy to perk things up. Dialogue is mixed clearly without ever being drowned out by any music or sound effects. Directionality is rendered precisely so that sounds emerge from all the natural spots. Environmental sounds are a key part of the soundscape such as background chatter or various outdoor sounds, which lend a dynamic sensibility to each channel. This is an impeccable disc that gives the film a sterling presentation. Optional English and Spanish SDH subtitles are included.

Special Features

Interview with Actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart: A 20-minute interview with the star in which he discusses what to expect from the story, how he prepared to play this character, the chemistry he has with his co-stars, some of the themes of the film, and more.

Image Gallery

Teaser Trailer (0:44)

Theatrical Trailer (2:12)

Final Thoughts

Kill the Jockey is a very surreal, challenging, and increasingly rewarding picture that forces the audience to reflect upon and reconsider the film even before the credits have started rolling. If you can get on any of its various wavelengths, you will be rewarded with something truly special. This is aided quite a bit by an ensemble that pulls you in with an intoxicating energy that holds your hand through some of the more perplexing developments. If you enjoy the thrill of cinematic discovery, you don’t want to miss this one. Music Box Films has released a Blu-Ray featuring a first-rate A/V presentation along with a nice selection of special features. Recommended

Kill the Jockey is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Music Box Selects and OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.