The Extortion (2023), originally titled La extorsión, is an Argentine thriller directed by Martino Zaidelis. The film stars Guillermo Francella as Alejandro Petrossián, a veteran pilot nearing retirement who becomes embroiled in a dangerous situation involving blackmail and corruption. The plot centers around Alejandro, who is blackmailed by Argentina's intelligence services after a manipulated medical report revealing his partial hearing loss is leaked. In a desperate attempt to secure his future, he agrees to transport a mysterious suitcase between Buenos Aires and Madrid, which leads him into a web of intrigue that threatens his marriage, legacy, and ultimately his life.
The film explores themes of moral ambiguity and the personal struggles of its protagonist as he navigates the treacherous waters of espionage and betrayal. Alongside Francella, the cast includes Pablo Rago, Andrea Frigerio, and Alberto Ajaka. With a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, The Extortion has received positive reception in Argentina, becoming the second most-watched Argentine film of 2023 with over 528,000 admissions.
Critics have noted the film's Hitchcockian elements, praising its suspenseful narrative and strong performances. It has been nominated for several awards at the upcoming 18th Sur Awards in categories including Best Supporting Actor for Pablo Rago and Best Original Score.
The Extortion was released theatrically in Argentina on April 6, 2023, and has since garnered attention for its engaging storytelling and exploration of the darker sides of human nature within the context of a high-stakes thriller.