''Azor'' is a 2021 drama film co-written and directed by Andreas Fontana in his feature directorial debut. An international co-production between Switzerland, France, and Argentina, the film is set in Argentina during the military dictatorship of the late 1970s and early 1980s. It explores the secretive and often morally ambiguous world of private banking for the elite, against a backdrop of political turmoil and disappearances.
Plot The film follows Yvan De Wiel (Fabrizio Rongione), a discreet and reserved private banker from Geneva, who travels to Buenos Aires in 1980 to replace his partner, René Keys, who has mysteriously vanished. Accompanied by his wife, Inès (Stephanie Cléau), Yvan attempts to reassure René's wealthy and influential clients while subtly investigating his partner's disappearance and the nature of his dealings. As Yvan navigates lavish social gatherings, exclusive clubs, and clandestine meetings with powerful families, he gradually uncovers the unsettling connections between his bank's operations, the military regime, and the dark realities of the "Dirty War." The narrative delves into the unspoken codes and implicit agreements within this high-stakes environment, where fortunes are made and lost, and lives can disappear without a trace. Yvan finds himself increasingly entangled in a web of financial intrigue and political repression, forced to confront the moral implications of his profession.
Themes ''Azor'' critically examines themes of financial complicity, the exercise of power, and the moral compromises made by the global elite. It highlights how international finance can operate in parallel to, and often benefit from, political instability and human rights abuses in developing nations. The film uses a slow-burn, atmospheric approach to build tension, focusing on subtle gestures, loaded conversations, and the pervasive sense of unease during Argentina's dictatorship. It also explores the relationship between the colonial-like presence of Swiss bankers and the local aristocracy, and the quiet, often unacknowledged, violence inherent in certain financial systems.
Production and Release The film was co-written by Fontana and Mariano Llinás. It premiered in the Panorama section of the 71st Berlin International Film Festival in March 2021. The cinematography by Gabriel Sandru and the meticulous period detail contribute to its distinctive atmosphere. ''Azor'' received critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling, subtle tension, and its exploration of a dark chapter in Argentine history through a unique lens, drawing comparisons to films like ''The Conformist'' and ''The Missing Person.'' Its use of French and Spanish dialogue further underscores the international context of its narrative.