Review of Undertow (2009) by Amilcar A — 23 Jan 2011

Just when you think you've seen every story movies from the strangest places surprise you. This is the epitome of the art-house film. Gay fishermen (one is actually dead) in coastal Peru. Take that brokeback mountain.

Undertow is a lovely film about innocent people falling victims of their circumstance. The story starts by showing us a rural fisherman who is married and expecting a kid. He's also in love and getting hot and bothered with a local artist that is noticeably wealthy and good looking.

Mico/Chino/Miguel, the star of the film is clearly in love with Tiago but he knows his circumstances will never allow him to actually be with him. The town he comes from might as well be stuck in the 18th century. People are super religious and very traditionalist. Having a local suddenly turn gay and dump his wife and child is just not going to fly.

Then a really interesting twist happens and the love story also becomes a ghost story. It's not a scary twist but rather a sweet and endearing change that prompts feelings of desire, lust and love.

Not surprisingly when the town finds paintings of Mico naked there is a mild uproar. What is very cool is that towards the end there is some level of acceptance and redemption.

Mico experiences a major loss but it's not because of homophobia, but rather due to his infidelities.

Undertow is really an excellent film that once again proves me wrong. Not all good movies need to have explosions, aliens and boobs. Though it surely helps.