Edit Item

End of the Century

Country: Argentina, Language: Spanish, 84 mins

Gay | Drama | 2019

Original Title

Fin de siglo

Director: Lucio Castro
Writer: Lucio Castro

CGiii Comment

Lucio Castro demands - perhaps - too much from his audience. Quite literally...nothing happens in the first 10 minutes. An overwhelming sense of dread creeps in...maybe...nothing will happen in next 74 minutes!

As they say, patience is a virtue...and, all good things come to those who wait. Señor Castro takes his time, his actors - also - take their time to settle into their roles...and then, the magic starts to happen. Seriously, this story will resonate with many...those with emotional baggage, those with regrets, those who let 'the one' get away!

Ever wondered where [your] ex-lovers are, what they're doing, how they got to where they are wherever they are? Those moments of quiet reflection accompanied by a sad [or wry] smile...perhaps, a tear?

This is exactly what Lucio Castro has captured...'what ifs' and regrets mixed with temporal joy and ever-lasting sorrow...because of the man who got away! The road gets rougher, it's lonelier and tougher...where's Judy when you need her!?!

This is torch song without the song, this is agony without the pain...this is magic with all the trickery that illusion requires. This will ache - possibly break - many a heart...and will leave you quietly reflecting...

What a way for a film to leave you...wiping those bittersweet tears from your cheeks. Moving...so very moving.

Trailer...

The(ir) Blurb...

The mysteries of romantic connection, the challenges of a long-term relationship, the allure of personal freedom-these topics are explored in Lucio Castro's sexy, funny, and moving debut, set in picturesque Barcelona. Though it's packed with rich conversation, some time passes before the first words are spoken, as Ocho (Juan Barberini) fills his days aimlessly, flitting between tourist locales and cruising a handsome guy named Javi (Ramón Pujol). After some sweaty sex and post-coital chat, Javi discloses something that causes the film to take a dive into the past.

As the story pivots to the titular end of the 20th century, Ocho and Javi both have girlfriends, though we sense the connection that will draw them together in the future. Through this fascinating temporal shift, End of the Century explores how people and the things they want change (or don't) over time. And when the puzzle pieces come together at the film's close, a full and deeply felt portrait of these two men emerges.

— ROD ARMSTRONG