‘Counterattack’ Review- A Showdown In Mexico

A Mexican action thriller

Contraataque also known as Counterattack is a Mexican action-thriller directed by Chava Cartas and written by Jose Ruben Escalante Mendez. It had a theatrical release internationally before it was streamed in the United States.

Armando (Luis Alberti) is a captain within the Mexican military whose unit specializes in battling the cartel. After he rescues Lucia (Mayra Batalla) and Carla (Frida Jiser) from being kidnapped, she reveals the location of a mass grave, allowing the unit to round up some cartel leaders. After being betrayed, Armando and his team are lost in the woods and under heavy fire from the cartel as they make their way to the US border for safety.

I do not watch a lot of films from Mexico, mainly because of my lack of access to it. That is why I was elated when I saw this thriller pop up in my Netflix suggestion feed. I immediately pressed play on a Saturday night and I was in for an adventure.

You immediately rally behind these five men as they head to a showdown. They all have hopes and dreams but are ultimately driven by a strong sense of justice. This paints a target on their back and you watch as they are hunted by a man who has a personal vendetta against them.

I appreciate how this movie told the story. It was simple but exciting. It did not rely on meaningless CGI effects or long monologues to carry the audience. Instead, it shows instead of tells, guiding you along with our five protagonists and the cartel army chasing them. It harkens back to old-school survivalist flicks with a spine-tingling plot.

If I could pinpoint one issue, it is that the pace is a bit fast. For instance, the time from the second confrontation with the cartel to the third happens very quickly. There was not a lot of time to breath between the sequences.

Outside of that, this was a solid story that is a credit to the director and writer. I think that it is a well-made action thriller with a hateful villain and true heroes you can cheer for. That is something that is missing in Hollywood, so I am glad that I found it in Mexico. You just have to know where to look for good cinema.

Bottom line, Counterattack is a solid action thriller that takes place in Mexico. As the five heroes navigate hostile terrain, you are pulled into the plot and hope that they make it out alive.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Strong foul language, Extreme violence

FAVORITE QUOTE: Listen, I’m giving you the chance to avenge our father.

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, song, or anime you would like me to review.