Review of Y Tu Mamá También (2001) by Valeria C — 01 Apr 2009

Y Tu Mama Tambien, when compared to recent movies, can be called Superbad: X Rated version. That doesn't mean this film lacks intelligence, though. What the plot lacks in comedy, in more than makes up for with a strong exploration of the human psychology of sex.

Not only is sex explored in a more personal way, but graphic depictions of sex are given, furthering that exploration. The plot, aside from how it folds out, is a little generic. Two teenage boys, Tenoch (Diego Luna) and Julio (Gael Garcia Dernal), have just departed with their girlfriends for the summer and are looking to have the time of their lives.

While going to a wedding party, they run into Luisa (Maribel Verdu), a woman who is struggling with her marriage. Tenoch and Julio only want his woman for sex and for some reason, she eventually complies.

That reason, though, is the basis for this film. What makes sex work between strangers? How does sex affect relationships? Everything else, from the music to the drug use, just shows that teens feed off of addictions.

The several different types of analyzes that his film brings up is staggering, but it makes for a wholly entertaining and original riff on the teen drama. This movie is a character study and anyone who enjoys such films needs to watch this.

The graphic nature of the movie, though, may be a turn off.