Counterstrike (2025)

Counterstrike (2025), also known as Contraataque, is a Mexican action-thriller that hits Netflix with a bang, delivering a lean, relentless 84-minute ride. Directed by Chava Cartas, it follows Captain Guerrero (Luis Alberti) and his elite “Murciélagos” squad as a routine shopping trip near the US-Mexico border turns into a deadly ambush by a cartel after a botched hostage rescue.

The film wastes no time diving into the action, with tight, visceral firefights and a gritty jungle trek that keeps the adrenaline pumping. Alberti leads a standout ensemble—Leonardo Alonso, Luis Curiel, Guillermo Nava, and David Calderón—whose camaraderie and teamwork elevate the stakes beyond generic shoot-‘em-up fare. Noé Hernández’s menacing cartel boss and Mayra Batalla’s brief but impactful role add depth, though the plot leans heavily on familiar tropes: betrayed soldiers, corrupt officials, and a race to safety.

The tactical realism—cover usage, military jargon—impresses, but shaky editing and a rushed resolution (what happened to the cartel’s army?) leave some threads dangling. It’s not groundbreaking, but for fans of straightforward survival action like Triple Frontier or Lone Survivor, Counterstrike is a satisfying, explosive fix that proves Mexican cinema can punch hard in the genre.