The Photographer: Murder in Pinamar 2022 Movie Review
THE PHOTOGRAPHER: MURDER IN PINAMAR on Netflix is a new true-crime documentary from Argentina. It revolves around the murder of photojournalist José Luis Cabezas. His murder had immense repercussions in the country. Read our full The Photographer: Murder in Pinamar review here!
THE PHOTOGRAPHER: MURDER IN PINAMAR is a new Netflix documentary from Argentina. The precise genre is true-crime since it focuses on the murder of photojournalist José Luis Cabezas. With a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes, it manages to get around the many (many!) elements of what ultimately led to his murder. Anyone who enjoys documentaries should give this one a chance. It’s well-crafted and intriguing. However, I have to mention that this is a very complex case. For this reason, it won’t be for everyone.
In order to understand the circumstances of the murder of José Luis Cabezas, we also get into politics, gross corruption, and mafia-like methods. This Argentinian documentary on Netflix has a much longer original title. It’s El Fotografo y el Cartero: El Crimen de Cabezas. Also, while you may not have heard about this case, it is a big deal. This true crime is very well known in Argentina since it did help change things.
In many countries around the world, being a reporter or photojournalist means risking your life. Often, these people are aware of the risks involved with exposing the truth. These days, shining a light on corruption is still dangerous in many places. Including countries in South America.
However, I cannot imagine that Cabezas ever feared that he would end his life in such a brutal manner. His wife is clearly very shaken up and shocked as well. Plus, everyone who knew him, speak very highly (and warmly) of him. To die due to a picture is simply cruel.
Known for bringing true-crime fans an unparalleled collection of riveting tales, Netflix always delivers. Whether it’s a deep dive into an American based mystery like Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, or an overseas occurrence, such as the haunting story that can be seen in The Raincoat Killer: Chasing a Predator in Korea, the streamer is dedicated to bringing viewers the hardest hitting cases. And let us tell you, their newest piece is no different. The Photographer: Murder in Pinamar will quickly become your newest true-crime addiction as you unfurl the countless coverups and conspiracies behind one photojournalist’s brutal demise.
A trailer released ahead of the film’s May 19 debut tells the story behind the victim, José Luis Cabezas. Cabezas was found dead in his charred car with two gunshots to the head and ample evidence of torture to his body. Following the discovery of the gruesome scene, it wasn’t long until questions surrounding his murder began to cover the front pages. The area in Argentina where Cabezas was staying, Pinamar, is a location inhabited by the most wealthy clientele with its fair share of who’s who in the political world, leading everyone to question exactly who Cabezas crossed.
While many initially believed it to be a police cover-up, soon another name emerged, that of a well-known and morally questionable businessman named Alfredo Yabrán. Known for not being known, as Yabrán had always kept his face hidden from the public eye, rumors swirled concerning the cutthroat moneymaker’s involvement in Cabezas’ murder after a photo of him at the beachy resort of Pinamar surfaced. Now with some strong evidence pointing in Yabrán’s direction, the rumor mill really began churning. The trailer reveals what’s sure to be an upside-down ride through the truth and lies surrounding Cabezas’ death and the fallout that would occur in the following days, months, and years.
The Photographer: Murder in Pinamar is the latest piece from Argentinian filmmaker, Alejandro Hartmann, who was behind other documentaries including Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta and AU3 (Autopista Central). Hartmann also executive produced the feature with co-writing team Tatiana Mereñuk and Gabriel Bobillo. Filling out the executive production team are Vanessa Ragone and Mariela Besuievsky.
For fans of the true-crime genre, specifically those who enjoy following the twists and turns of a government coverup, The Photographer: Murder in Pinamar will be an exhilarating ride behind a story that most Americans don’t know.
