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Short drama thriller

Pollo Loco (2023): Cast & Ratings

Pollo Loco (2023) movie poster

Pollo Loco is a 2023 short drama thriller directed by Ben Escobar, starring Giancarlo Beltran as Pollo Loco, Jorge Rodriguez and Derek Bauder. It runs 26 minutes and was made on a reported $30,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 85/100.

Echo Score
85
budget
$30K
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Pollo Loco (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
26 min
Director
Ben Escobar
Genres
Thriller , Drama , Crime
Original language
English
Budget
$30K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Pollo Loco About?

The premise of Pollo Loco without spoilers.

A young and ambitious drug dealer's world is turned upside down when he discovers his girlfriend has been unfaithful with someone from his own organization. Fueled by rage, he and his loyal right-hand man set out to exact a violent revenge, leading to a dangerous and chaotic confrontation.

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Cast & crew

Pollo Loco Cast & Characters

Giancarlo Beltran leads the cast as Pollo Loco, with Jorge Rodriguez as Baby Spider and Derek Bauder as Lil Puppet. Directed by Ben Escobar; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Pollo Loco

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Ratings

Pollo Loco Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in rewatch factor (90) and weakest in character & emotion (80).

85 /100

Pollo Loco Echo Score Breakdown

Pollo Loco delivers a compact thriller that largely succeeds across its core elements. Reviewers highlight its engaging plot, effective visual style, and strong performances, while noting minor repeats in cinematographic angles and occasional desire for deeper character nuance. Its production design and sound design further reinforce the atmospheric tension, contributing to an overall impression of a well-crafted piece.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, the short film exhibits confident direction and striking visual composition. Reviewers commend the cinematography for its bold framing, though a few note repetitive angles. Production design and editing support the narrative efficiently, resulting in a generally polished aesthetic.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    Regarding character and emotion, performances receive strong praise, particularly from leads Giancarlo and Derek, whose portrayals convey tension and nuance. Some critics, however, find the character development uneven and the protagonist’s motivations underexplored. Overall, the acting elevates the material despite isolated concerns about depth.

  • Story & Flow 83

    Story and flow are highlighted as the film’s central strength, with a concise plot that maintains suspense and delivers an effective twist. Reviewers note the narrative’s simplicity yet appreciate its ability to engage from start to finish. A minority wish for a longer runtime to expand the concept further.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Sensory experience receives commendation for its score, which many describe as atmospheric and integral to tension, alongside impactful sound design. Visual style is praised for striking color palettes and cohesive framing, though occasional redundancy in angles is mentioned. Together, audio and visual elements contribute significantly to the film’s mood.

  • Rewatch Factor 90

    Rewatch factor is strong, with multiple reviewers indicating they would view the short repeatedly and recommend it to peers. The combination of suspenseful pacing, memorable score, and engaging performances fuels lasting appeal. Consequently, the film is considered highly repeatable despite its brief runtime.

Videos

Pollo Loco Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Pollo Loco.

Pollo Loco Film Festival Trailer

Seen Pollo Loco?

FAQ

Pollo Loco FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of Pollo Loco, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Pollo Loco?

Pollo Loco runs 26 minutes.

When was Pollo Loco released?

Pollo Loco was released on October 14, 2023.

Who directed Pollo Loco?

Pollo Loco was directed by Ben Escobar.

Who is in the cast of Pollo Loco?

Pollo Loco stars Giancarlo Beltran as Pollo Loco, Jorge Rodriguez as Baby Spider and Derek Bauder as Lil Puppet, among 5 credited actors.

What was the budget of Pollo Loco?

Pollo Loco had a reported budget of $30,000.

Does Pollo Loco have a post-credit scene?

No. Pollo Loco has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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