Rodrigo Cortés

Rodrigo Cortés, born back in ’73 in a tiny Galician village called Pazos Hermos, is just one of those directors who refuses to play by the usual Hollywood rulebook. Seriously, this guy doesn’t do “normal.” He’s got this wild thing for keeping audiences on edge—like, palms sweaty, can’t-breathe kind of tension. Take “Buried” for example. Who the heck makes a whole movie set inside a coffin? Cortés, that’s who. And somehow, it works. You start out annoyed, thinking, “How long can I watch Ryan Reynolds freak out in a box?” but then you’re an hour in, and you can’t look away. That’s talent. But he’s not a one-trick pony. Fast forward to “Red Lights,” and suddenly you’re knee-deep in a world of skepticism, psychics, and mind games. Cortés loves playing around with what’s real and what’s just smoke and mirrors—pulling the rug right out from under you every time you think you’ve got it figured out. He’s also got a softer, artsy side, which pops out in “El amor en su lugar.” That one’s got a whole different vibe: a romantic drama set during WWII, but with plenty of twists and rhythm. It’s like he’s challenging himself to never make the same movie twice. Honestly, Cortés carves his own lane in film. He’s part editor, part director, and all-in on keeping things unpredictable. If you’re bored by formulaic movies, he’s your guy.