Doña Lupe (1985)

Doña Lupe (1985) follows the story of two police officers who assume they will dominate the household when they move into the home of an elderly widow, Doña Lupe. They change the locks and host a wild party, believing the widow is helpless. However, Doña Lupe has different plans and is determined to resist their takeover. Directed by Guillermo del Toro at the age of 19, this short film is his ninth and showcases his early talent and unique storytelling style. Influenced by Mexican noir writer Paco Ignacio Taibo, del Toro uses distinct Mexican settings and characters. The narrative is confined to a single location, a technique he would later employ in films like "Cronos," "The Devil's Backbone," and "Pan's Labyrinth." Del Toro not only wrote, produced, and directed the film but also took on the role of cinematographer when the original director of photography was found to be visually impaired. This experience underscored his belief that anyone with passion and determination can achieve success in filmmaking.