Nine Queens at 25: Why This Argentine Con Artist Classic Still Bamboozles Brilliantly

Listen, I’ve seen my fair share of con artist films proper obsessed with them, if I’m honest. But when I caught Nine Queens at a late-night screening in Manchester last week, it properly knocked my socks off. How had this absolute belter slipped under my radar for so long?

The Long Con That Keeps on Giving

Twenty-five years ago, Argentine director Fabin Bielinsky dropped this absolute masterclass in double-dealing, and blow me if it hasn’t aged like a fine Malbec. The film follows Marcos (Ricardo Darn, in the role that made him proper famous) and his fresh-faced apprentice Juan (Gastn Pauls) as they attempt to pull off an increasingly complicated stamp scam.

But here’s the thing while Hollywood’s been churning out glossy heist flicks where everyone looks like they’ve just stepped out of a GQ photoshoot, Nine Queens keeps it gloriously grimy. The restored version hitting our screens in 2025 makes the film’s sweaty, desperate energy even more palpable. It’s less Ocean’s Eleven, more Only Fools and Horses gone properly dark.

A Prophetic Tale of Dodgy Dealings

You know how we’re all watching The Traitors and thinking we’re proper clever spotting the fibbers? Nine Queens takes that game of deception to a whole new level. What’s properly spooky is how the film predicted Argentina’s financial collapse it’s like Bielinsky had a crystal ball showing him exactly how greed and dodgy banking would proper mess things up.

In 2025, with crypto scams and dodgy influencer schemes all over our social feeds, the film hits different. Remember when that Bitcoin bloke did a runner with everyone’s dosh last year? Nine Queens suddenly feels less like period piece and more like a headline from tomorrow’s papers.

Why You Should Give it a Go

Look, I know subtitled films can sometimes feel like hard work when you’re knackered after a long day at work. But trust me on this Nine Queens is proper edge-of-your-seat stuff. The way it plays with your expectations is absolutely brilliant, and the final twist? Mate. MATE. I’m still picking my jaw up off the floor.

FAQ: Your Nine Queens Questions Answered

Is Nine Queens better than its Hollywood remake?

Short answer: Yes. While Criminal (2004) with John C Reilly and Diego Luna isn’t terrible, it’s like comparing a proper curry to a Pot Noodle. The original’s got more bite, more authenticity, and way more depth.

Where can I watch Nine Queens in 2025?

The restored version’s getting a limited cinema release at independent venues across the UK. After that, it’ll be streaming on MUBI and BFI Player. Worth every penny of your subscription, I reckon.

Why is it called Nine Queens?

Without spoiling anything (because that would be proper wrong), it refers to a set of rare stamps at the heart of the con. But like everything in this film, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The Bottom Line

In a world of endless reboots and AI-generated content, Nine Queens reminds us why proper storytelling will never go out of style. It’s smart without being smug, complex without being confusing, and teaches us more about human nature than a dozen TED Talks.

Give it a watch, and let me know if it doesn’t make you look twice at every deal that seems too good to be true. Trust me you won’t regret it.