Wild Tales review: Stories with lots of sting

A model realises that she has something in common with the music critic seated opposite on an airplane. A corrupt politician is served by a waitress whose family he ruined. Two men become rivals on a lonely stretch of highway. A demolitions expert is increasingly exasperated when he attempts to reason with car clampers. An elaborate plan is hatched in order to protect a privileged kid involved in a hit-and-run. A new bride discovered her husband has cheated on her at their wedding reception.

Arthouse cinema doesn't get more accessible than this zany anthology film which arrives with a heap of plaudits and awards (not to mention an Oscar nomination) attached. The personnel ain't too shabby either: Ricardo Darín (the Argentine De Niro) stars, Pedro Almodóvar produces, Gustavo Santaolalla (Brokeback Mountain) composes.

Inevitably, some sections are stronger than others: the opening sequence is a doozy and the final miniature is the best worst wedding ever.

Damián Szifron brings a light touch to the blackest comedy. His playful fictions would sit nicely within a rebooted Twilight Zone. But his delicious punchlines have a flavour that's all their own.