Review of Undertow (2009) by Betsy B — 25 Feb 2012

Miguel (Cristian Mercado) and Mariela (Tatiana Astengo) are happily married and expecting their first child. They live in a little village on the coast of Peru and life is good. Miguel works in the fishing business, the couple is surrounded with relatives and friends, they are active in their church, and Miguel has a secret. He's been having an affair with Santiago, a handsome young artist who gives everyone the creeps by taking pictures of them incessantly. Miguel really loves both Mariela and Santiago, and naturally is unwilling to destroy his family by coming out. He has a history with Mariela and now a child, but for Santiago he has passion.

This is a ghost story (you'll see) about love-the love between husbands and wives and the love for their family unit, the love of the people of the village for each other, the love of a lifestyle that's familiar, and the illicit love between Miguel and Santiago that threatens to break up Miguel's family. And finally, it's about the permanent decisions people make based on impermanent emotions.

I recommend this surprising little film and give it an 80%.