In El Clan, director Pablo Trapero tells the startling true story of the Argentinian Puccio family.
The film begins as a harmless family portrayal, but gradually it becomes clear that the Puccios earn their daily bread in a very unusual way. The father, Arquímedes, kidnaps rich people and demands ransom for their release. He sees the kidnappings as the family business. The hostages are locked up in the house where the family lives. As the victims’ terrifying, piercing screams can be heard by everyone in the house, the other family members become accomplices to the crimes. Regardless, they act as if they know nothing. The only exception is the eldest son, Alejandro, who helps his father with the cruel kidnappings – even when a friend of his is one of the victims.
El Clan is a blood-curdling film about the dark practices and complicated relationships within this family that, at first glance, seems perfectly normal. During the Venice Film Festival Trapero received the Silver Lion for Best Director, and in its homeland El Clan became the most successful Argentinian film in history!