In 1976, Argentina's military overthrew the government of Isabel Perón in a coup. Then waged a clandestine campaign of domestic terror, the "Dirty War", against "subversives" deemed a threat. The Military Junta tortured, raped, and killed their fellow citizens. 30,000 people were abducted and never seen again. The "Disappeared" left an agonizing hole in the lives of their loved ones. Civilian government reclaimed power in 1983. Argentina, 1985 is the story of a country's demand for truth, justice, and accountability.
Chief Prosecutor Julio César Strassera (Ricardo Darín) sits nervously in his apartment. He's worried about his family's safety. They have become targets since the trial's announcement. Argentina's military leadership doesn't acknowledge civil authority to judge them. They lose their efforts to be tried by a military court. Strassera must assemble a legal team, collect evidence, and present his case in mere months. Strassera fears his teenage daughter's (Gina Mastronicola) new boyfriend may work for the "service." He uses the subway to take his son (Santiago Armas Estevarena) to school. Their car could be sabotaged. His beloved wife, Silvia (Alejandra Flechner), tells him to be courageous. The world is watching.
Strassera cannot convince any of Argentina's top legal minds to join his team. They are afraid. A significant portion of the population still supports the military. They doubt the veracity of the horrific charges. Strassera gets an unlikely ally in Luis Moreno Ocampo (Peter Lanzani), an inexperienced and untested government lawyer. Ocampo is the scion of a distinguished military family. He believes in the rule of law. Strassera and Ocampo understand their lives are in danger. They must fight for those kidnapped and killed without judicial process.
Ocampo convinces Strassera to put his faith in the younger generation. Eager novices, ready to make a difference, are hired for the daunting task ahead. The team fans out around the country searching for secret prisons. They interview brutalized innocents who survived interrogations and the heartbroken families of the missing. Strassera's lawyers gather a mountain of shocking evidence.
Strassera Refuses to be Cowed
Argentina is transfixed by the awful testimonials. Strassera brings hundreds of witnesses that recount their appalling ordeals. There's not a chance in hell that the military leadership didn't authorize and enforce "genocide." Intimidation efforts against the prosecution become blatant. Strassera refuses to be cowed. He becomes a national hero to his people. His spellbinding closing argument delivered bluntly in the arrogant faces of Argentina's terrorizers... "Nunca Más" (Never Again).
The Trial of the Military Junta was the first and only time that a civilian government held a dictatorship responsible for their evil crimes. Argentina, 1985 delivers a crucial historical event with deft aplomb. Strassera and Ocampo, both played superbly, recognized the significance of the moment. They had to bring light to darkness. Otherwise, the scourge of torment would have walked free and justice never served. Their abominable actions buried under lies, suffering, and a despicable disregard for human life.
Argentina, 1985 Hits Like a Freight Train
Argentina, 1985 hits like a freight train with the gamut of emotional responses. The testimony of a mother forced to give birth and abused will haunt your soul. The utter lack of compassion is astounding. How could such vile barbarism be perpetuated against a defenseless woman? Incredibly, director/co-writer Santiago Mitre (Paulina, The Summit) infuses genuine humor to the narrative. Laughter breaks the tension when needed. Strassera's interactions with his family, staff, and the defendants has moments of levity. You'll chuckle as he shows the generals what he really thinks about them. This actually happened and is brilliantly recreated by Mitre. Who will probably be holding the Oscar for Best International Film next year.
Argentina has had a stable democracy for 40 years. Those responsible for the "Disappeared" are still being prosecuted. The people took back their country and held the military accountable. Argentina, 1985 reminds that justice can prevail in the most formidable circumstances. Strassera, Ocampo, and their gallant lawyers were beacons of hope to the subjugated. Their message can never be forgotten. It remains pertinent as military oppression continues globally... Nunca Más!
Argetina, 1985 is a production of Amazon Studios, La Unión de los Ríos, Kenya Films, and Infinity Hill. It is currently available to stream on Prime Video.