Is this movie based on a real person?

Yes. It's based on Carlos Robledo Puch, an Argentine serial killer nicknamed 'The Angel of Death' who committed over 11 murders and numerous robberies in the early 1970s.

How graphic is the violence?

It's quite graphic and, more importantly, casual. Murders happen with very little buildup or emotional reaction from the characters, which can make it feel more disturbing than a standard action movie.

Are there subtitles or an English dub?

As an Argentine film, it is in Spanish. Most streaming versions offer subtitles, though some platforms may provide an English dub. Check your specific service before starting.

Is there a lot of 'romance' in the movie?

There is significant homoerotic tension between the two leads and several scenes involving sexual situations and nudity. It’s handled artistically but is definitely mature content.

El Angel – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

El Angel

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

42%

WISE Score

A sun-drenched, stylish nightmare about Argentina's most famous serial killer that proves a pretty face can hide a very dark heart.

7.4

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El Angel

movie

2018

42%

WISE Score

A sun-drenched, stylish nightmare about Argentina's most famous serial killer that proves a pretty face can hide a very dark heart.

7.4

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7.4

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Screenwise Verdict

El Angel is a gorgeous, neon-soaked trip through a series of terrible decisions. It’s a high-quality piece of international cinema, but it’s essentially the opposite of 'wholesome.' If you're looking for a stylish true-crime biopic that doesn't hold your hand or lecture you on morality, this is it.

For parents, the 'Safety' score is the main thing to watch. This isn't just 'action' violence; it's intimate, cold, and frequent. It’s a great movie to watch after the kids are in bed, especially if you have an interest in Argentine history or stylized psychological thrillers.

Age Fit

This is firmly for adults and older teens (17+). Between the casual murders and the mature themes, it’s a date-night pick, not a family-room watch.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The protagonist is a remorseless serial killer who views theft and murder as casual hobbies. There is zero moral scaffolding here by design.

Imaginative

Visually stunning with a vibrant, pop-art 1970s aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the grim subject matter.

Safe

Heavy on cold-blooded violence, gunplay, and criminal behavior. It also contains mature themes, nudity, and sexual situations common in R-rated international dramas.

Enriching

Works well as a psychological character study and a historical snapshot of 1970s Argentina, though its educational value is strictly for mature audiences.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Killer aesthetic that captures the 1971 Buenos Aires vibe through incredible costume design and a rock-heavy soundtrack.
Lorenzo Ferro's performance is chillingly effective, making the 'Angel of Death' feel both magnetic and terrifyingly empty.
High-tension sequences that avoid typical crime tropes in favor of a more surreal, dreamlike approach to psychopathy.
Offers a fascinating historical look at the real-life case of Carlos Robledo Puch for true crime enthusiasts.

⚠

What to Watch For

Point-blank violence occurs suddenly and without the emotional weight you'd expect, which can be jarring.
The protagonist is a sociopath with no redemption arc; don't expect a 'lesson learned' ending.
Contains full-frontal nudity and sexual content that makes this strictly for adults or very mature older teens.
The film glamorizes the lifestyle through its visuals, which might be a tough sell for parents looking for a clear moral compass.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the public was so obsessed with the 'angelic' appearance of a killer?"
"Does the movie make the crime spree look fun, and how does that affect how we feel about the victims?"
"How does the 1970s setting and music change the tone compared to a modern crime drama?"

Deep Dive

The Glamour of the Gritty

Directed by Luis Ortega and produced by Pedro Almodóvar, El Angel doesn't look like your typical gritty crime drama. It’s bright, it’s colorful, and it moves with a swagger that feels more like a music video than a police report. This is intentional. The film mirrors the way its protagonist, Carlos, sees the world: as a playground where everything belongs to him because he's beautiful and bold enough to take it.

A True Crime Time Capsule

For those unfamiliar with the history, Carlos Robledo Puch is a real figure who remains Argentina's longest-serving prisoner. The film captures the specific cultural moment of 1971 Buenos Aires—a city on the edge of political upheaval, yet obsessed with this 'angel-faced' boy. It’s a fascinating study in how appearance can manipulate public perception and even the legal system.

Why the WISE Score is Low

On Screenwise, we score based on suitability for kids and overall intentionality. While El Angel is a 'good' movie by critical standards (boasting an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes), it fails almost every 'Wholesome' and 'Safe' metric for a family audience. There is no empathy for the victims, no remorse from the lead, and a heavy dose of mature content. It’s an excellent recommendation for you, the parent, but it’s a hard pass for the kids.

What Parents Ask

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