4x4

In Buenos Aires, a gleaming luxury van sits parked on the curb as a man steps inside with the plan to steal whatever he can find. But when he tries to leave, nothing works the doors refuse to budge and the control panel stays dark. The vehicle locks itself around him turning from a portable ride into a sealed chamber, a metal box with the thief trapped inside. With time slipping away, he is forced to confront his choices and the consequences of a life built on greed. What begins as a simple theft becomes a pressure cooker that tests nerve, ethics, and the human impulse to survive. Outside, the city keeps breathing while time presses.

Directed by Mariano Cohn and released in 2019, 4x4 draws on an original screenplay by Gastón Duprat. The Argentine thriller was produced with a budget around 3 million dollars, featuring a compact, tense shoot that keeps the action tight today.

Critics note how the film uses its claustrophobic setup to probe greed, power, and moral compromise under pressure. The lean storytelling leans on strong turns from Peter Lanzani and Luis Brandoni to anchor a tense dynamic between entrants and observers. The film earned praise for its lean, precise craft.

While not a global blockbuster, the film has a distinct Argentine thrillers mood that captures urban anxiety about wealth and control. Its single location and sharp dialogue resonate with fans of concise contemporary cinema. It nudges viewers to consider who holds the keys to safety and who benefits from desperation.

There are no widely reported major awards or nominations for this title, and it did not become a staple of year end awards lists. Critics instead noted its crisp pacing, credible performances, and the way confinement amplifies social commentary. Some viewers also praised the economy of its storytelling.