The saga of a tight-knit group of adolescent soldiers stranded atop a remote mountain in Latin America, Monos explores the gradual unraveling following a surprise attack that forces them into the primordial jungle. In their charge is a hostage known as Doctora, and their loyalty lies with unseen force referred to only as The Organization. Colombian director Alejandro Landes crafts a political allegory from elemental imagery that borrows equally from Lord of the Flies and Apocalypse Now. Steeped in almost overwhelmingly sensual detail, and helped along by an eerie score by Mica Levi, the film is powerful and mysterious even when it teases and mystifies.

The Landmark (also playing at the Arclight Hollywood), 10850 Pico Blvd., West L.A.; Fri., Sept. 13, various showtimes; $12-$15; (310) 470-0492, landmarktheatres.com.