To Let (2006)

I had a little over an hour to kill tonight, and To Let was the perfect movie to fill that time.  Clocking in at a mere 68 minutes, it could barely be considered a full-length movie.  To Let (Para entrar a vivar) is about a couple, Clara and Mario, who need an apartment in a hurry.  Apparently, they sold their apartment, and if they don't find a new place in 15 days, they'll have nowhere to live.  The other catch?  Clara is pregnant, although not showing yet.

They receive an advertisement in their mailbox, displaying an apartment that seems to good to be true.  Usually you should take this as a clue to stay far, far away, but Mario insists on checking out the place.  They take the long drive, during which Clara falls asleep.  Upon arrival, it's obvious that something is a little off about the building, and the creepy real estate agent.  When entering the apartment, they notice that some of their possessions are already there.  Once they realize that the landlord is not going to give them a choice about moving in, it's already too late.

Being an apartment-dweller myself, I found the concept of this movie intriguing.   A failed, psychotic landlord who wants to fill her building with perfect tenants.  Sort of Psycho meets Pacific Heights.  The short length of this movie made it exciting and fast-paced, and the landlord was awesome at playing someone who is seriously deranged.  The blood and guts were effective, from the toaster to the head to shredded hand in the garbage disposal.  Not a bad way to spend an hour.