The Snatch Thief
Here's what we found in The Snatch Thief. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Snatch Thief
The Snatch Thief (2018), originally titled "El Motoarrebatador," is an Argentinian drama film directed by Agustín Toscano. The narrative unfolds around Miguel, a "motochorro" or motorbike thief, who causes severe injury to an elderly woman, Elena, during a purse snatching incident. Overcome by guilt, Miguel embarks on a clandestine mission to care for Elena, all the while meticulously concealing his true identity and involvement in her injury. The film is set against the turbulent backdrop of Tucumán, an Argentinian city experiencing significant social unrest due to a police strike, which contributes to an atmosphere of chaos and violence. This critically acclaimed production delves into profound themes of crime, moral culpability, and the intricate path towards personal redemption. It offers a nuanced exploration of human nature, focusing on the psychological impact of wrongdoing and the complex motivations behind attempts at atonement. The film is targeted at mature audiences who appreciate character-driven stories and social realism, presenting a thought-provoking examination of ethical dilemmas and the consequences of one's actions in a volatile environment.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film features a significant and brutal act of violence at its outset, where an elderly woman is severely injured during a snatch theft. The narrative is also set against a backdrop of widespread societal chaos and violence caused by a police strike, contributing to an intense and unsettling atmosphere.
The film opens with a brutal snatch theft committed by Miguel, where he "brutally hit a woman to steal her handbag" and "hurts her badly." This incident results in the elderly victim, Elena, being "dragged behind their bike and ends up in hospital." The setting of the Argentinian city of Tucumán during a police strike in 2013 involved "chaos, violence and riots," providing an overarching context of intense societal unrest and danger.
Scary & Intense Content
The film contains high levels of intense content, stemming from a brutal act of violence at the beginning and maintaining an unsettling atmosphere throughout, exacerbated by a backdrop of urban chaos and social unrest.
Would these 2 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
16+ (Mature Teens and Adults) - Recommended for mature audiences due to realistic portrayals of violence, intense themes of guilt and deception, and the film's exploration of complex moral dilemmas within a backdrop of societal unrest. While IMDb rates it PG-13, the severity of the opening incident and the overall challenging themes warrant a more cautious age recommendation.
Good to Know
The film's original title, "El Motoarrebatador," refers to a specific type of thief in Argentina. The rating discrepancy (IMDb PG-13 vs. Filmfest München 18+) highlights varying interpretations of the film's maturity, but the gravity of its themes leans towards a more mature audience recommendation.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families