The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

Directorial debut, producer, writer and leading actress. Asensio delivers a contemporary thriller utilising desperation as its thoroughly constructed buildup to its uneasy conclusion. What I will say, for the very first time, is that I leapt up from my sofa exclaiming "Nooo no no I can't do this!" and hid behind it with fear. Whether or not the same effect will occur to you depends on what conjures up your trepidation. As I write this, my skin is tingling with anxiety...it was that powerful. An immigrant who moves to New York to chase the "big dream" rapidly discovers that the idyllic lifestyle isn't so easy to achieve, thus resorting to desperation to earn money. Asensio's stripped back simplicity allows the dialogue to remain prominent throughout. Whilst it may lack sharpness and astute vocabulary, it does remain natural. Brave long takes of conversational pieces that slowly manifest into dread. In the back of your mind, you know something is going to happen...you just don't know what. Fear of the unknown is a commanding tool, and Asensio masterfully manipulates this concept to create a memorable thriller. Purposely avoiding the cynical issue of immigration was necessary to avoid being biased, and I appreciate that. It's not so much a character piece, but more of an event perspective where we follow the character of Luciana for just one day. Much like the thematic narrative, she remains unknown to us. Whilst I do appreciate the ambiguity, crucial back story elements needed more exploration in order to enhance the emotional investment of Luciana. This becomes apparent during the unspeakable final act. Honestly, I'm surprised I didn't have nightmares or violently vomit from anxiety. Powerful, just pure visceral imagery. Acting was solid all round and the casting of unknown stars elevated the natural environment even further. Will this appeal to everyone? Not at all. A slow contemporary independent thriller that relishes in its occasional pretentiousness. But what a payoff!

I like these types of movies where it feels like your following an everyday person with a normal camera. I appreciate the realistic setting of NYC. The people look real and the surroundings look real, unlike shows like gossip girl. Some parts felt a little out of place, like the roaches coming out the bathroom wall. I thought the main character was hallucinating . I caught a glimpse of the trailer and turned it off right before watching. I also saw the comments and people were comparing it to Hostel, so I was expecting something horrific. My expectations were different and that is why I felt somewhat disappointment when it was finally over. There are some tense scenes but other than that no violence or blood, very tame. And there was never really a true finale, it just ended. I guess it's a good sign when you don't want the movie to end, so you can see what else happens.

Ana Asensio stars and directs in this mystery drama that tries to show the 'immigrant nightmare'. The opening shot suggesting this could be the story of any one of a large number of immigrant stories and basically, the idea behind it is good but the film fails at every other level. The acting by most of the actors wasn't convincing enough and the budget constraints can be felt. The plot is kind of a lighter version of Hostel which could've meant that we may, at last, get a good movie on the subject but alas that is not the case. The direction is kind of amateurish too, the tone never settled anywhere which makes you think they were confused how they wanted to show it. The subject is an important one which needs a better film treatment.

If you want a fun or pleasant film, then please for the love of God do NOT watch this film. Likewise, if you are severely phobic about spiders, for the love of God do NOT watch this film. You can't say I didn't warn you.The film is about Luciana, an illegal alien from Spain who is living in New York City. Because she has no social security number or i.d., she is forced to work crappy jobs for cash under the table. But in the process, she makes herself frazzled and is miserable...and something needs to give. The chance to make A LOT of money presents itself when her 'friend', Olga, tells her about a party where she can make a couple thousand dollars in one night. How?! Well, Olga assures Luciana everything will be fine...just show up at the place and she'll be happy with the result. As for Olga's promise, well, she's a total liar...and what awaits Luciana is pretty much what you see in "13 Tzameti"....and it's really painful to watch. So my advice is if you don't mind seeing horrible human cruelty, giant spiders and copious nudity, it might be a good bet to see this one. As for me, I found it oppressive...well made but oppressive.