Mexican cinema often suffers from slow narratives and exaggerated storylines, but the new action film "Contraataque" defies this trend, having quickly ascended to become the number one movie on Netflix across 30 countries. Directed by Chava Cartas and written by José Rubén Escalante Mendez, the film delivers high-octane thrills and sharp storytelling, showcasing the bravery and sacrifices of elite soldiers battling drug cartels. Anchored by solid performances, particularly from Luis Alberti as the heroic Capitán Armando Guerrero and Luis Curiel as the youthful yet cherished Jorge "Pollo," "Contraataque" has captivated audiences with its authentic portrayal of conflict and brotherhood.
Set against the backdrop of Mexico's fight against organized crime, the story follows Captain Guerrero and his team known as the Murciélagos. Their mission takes on urgency when they rescue two women from the cartel leader, Josefo "El Aguijón" Urías (Noé Hernández). This rescue not only sets off intense action sequences but portrays the soldiers’ deep commitment to justice, often reflected through the film's well-developed characters. The immersive details reflect genuine military strategies and the emotional toll faced by the personnel involved.
Some of the key elements contributing to the film's success include rigorous training among the cast and attention to technical details, all of which heighten the viewing experience. The actors underwent ten weeks of military training, living extensively at a real military base, ensuring their portrayals were grounded and believable. This commitment to authenticity is palpable, as audience members report feeling fully engaged through explosive action and breathless fight sequences.
Upon its release on February 28, 2025, "Contraataque" not only captured viewers' attention but also shattered records with 18.6 million views. It debuted as number one across various countries, including Brazil, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, and made it to the Top 10 lists globally, including 80 other nations. This remarkable viewership can be attributed to the film’s engaging plot and high production values, with over 110 visual effects shots creating stunning action scenes.
One of the most notable aspects of "Contraataque" is its focus on the human cost of the conflict, particularly through young soldier Pollo's character. Curiel's Pollo embodies youthful energy and innocence, making his eventual tragic death — from enemy sniper fire — one of the film's most heart-wrenching moments. This moment reverberated across social media, generating emotional responses and underscoring the very real impacts of violence and loss on the youth caught amid such turmoil.
Fans have praised the film for its ability to entertain without delving too deeply or overly dramatizing the issues of drug trafficking. It strikes a balance, effectively showcasing the reality of the fight against cartels through action without sacrificing character depth. The film’s pacing is brisk, ensuring no moment feels wasted, and the storytelling remains tight and focused, driving the narrative forward without unnecessary exposition.
Cartas's direction, along with contributions from cinematographer Beto Casillas, gives "Contraataque" a distinctive look, reminiscent of American action films yet firmly rooted in Mexican culture. The film avoids the trappings of melodrama, instead embracing straightforward storytelling enhanced by stunning visuals and substantively choreographed action.
On the ground, filming took place across various towns within the State of Mexico, including Isidro Fabela, Tepotzotlán, Juchitepec, and Temamatla — locales chosen not only for their scenic beauty but also their relevance to the narrative’s thematic depth. Observers noted the maintenance of realism throughout, with combat incidents crafted to evoke urgency and precision without succumbing to cinematic embellishment.
Supporting characters, played by actors including Leonardo Alonso (Tanque), David Calderón León (Combo), and Guillermo Nava (Toro), round out the team, bringing varied dynamics to the squad without resorting to clichéd stereotypes often associated with such narratives. Each character has been cemented clearly through interactions during the movie, adding layers to the overall experience.
Overall, "Contraataque" emerges not just as another action movie but as evidence of the potential for Mexican filmmakers to produce entertaining, culturally relevant, and poignant cinema. "Contraataque" sets the stage for future projects as it challenges the norms of the genre, proving once and for all you can stir excitement without resorting to formulaic storytelling.
With its engaging blend of human emotion and visceral action, "Contraataque" has secured its place as not just a success for Netflix but also as part of the broader narrative of cinema worthy of international attention.