Family secrets & social climbing: a brutal look at privilege

‘Altas capacidades’ exposes a chillingly familiar portrait of ambition, deceit, and the corrosive effects of class obsession, leaving viewers with a lingering discomfort.

A game of social maneuvering

Victor García León and Borja Cobeaga’s new film, ‘Altas capacidades,’ isn’t about neurodiversity as the title initially suggests. Instead, it’s a sharp, darkly comedic dissection of a middle-class family desperately clawing its way into the elite, revealing the moral compromises required to achieve what they believe is ‘better.’ The premise, centered around a boy exhibiting unusual abilities, serves merely as a catalyst to expose a deeper rot.

Susos Nanclares’ debut as Fer quickly establishes him as a convenient plot device – a means to navigate the treacherous waters of school admissions and the cutthroat competition for a coveted spot in a prestigious academy. But the real focus remains squarely on the parents, Alicia and Gonzalo, and their relentless pursuit of upward mobility.

Gonzalo’s boss, a predatory figure, offers a lucrative promotion and an elaborate network of connections – essentially, a gilded cage – if he can secure his daughter’s place at the elite school. This immediately sets in motion a cascade of manipulative tactics, from fabricating a learning disability to leveraging family relationships. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the ruthless, often ugly, lengths to which people will go for social advantage.

As the pressure mounts, financial anxieties surface, adding another layer of tension. The dream of a second child hangs precariously, threatened by the exorbitant tuition fees. The family’s desperation to appear ‘special,’ to justify their aspirations, leads them to further embellish the truth – claiming Fer is dyslexic and requires specialized instruction. It’s a cynical, almost masterful, performance of calculated deception.

Marián Álvarez and Israel Elejalde deliver nuanced performances as Alicia and Gonzalo, portraying a couple both driven and profoundly flawed. Juan Diego Botto, however, steals the show as the manipulative boss, embodying a chillingly detached pragmatism. His portrayal is a masterclass in restrained menace, a carefully constructed facade barely concealing a ruthless ambition.

‘Altas capacidades’ isn’t merely a comedy; it’s a stinging indictment of the values that underpin modern society. The film meticulously charts the disintegration of a family’s integrity as it succumbs to the allure of wealth and status. The stark contrasts—a lavish birthday party juxtaposed with a scene of intense financial strain—underscore the film’s central argument: the pursuit of privilege often demands a painful sacrifice of one’s own principles. It's a provocative and unsettling experience, leaving a profound sense of unease long after the credits roll. A hard-hitting 72 out of 100.