'Undertow' confused, yet thoughtful and moving

Director: Javier Fuentes-Leon

Cast: Manolo Cordona, Cristian Mercado

It’s a pity the director of this otherwise excellent film couldn’t quite decide if it’s a drama, a gay romance, a socio-political or a ghost story … any one of several options would do.

It’s a gay romance and a ghost story, with a swerve towards soapish melodrama, set in a small Peruvian fishing village where the secretive Miguel (Mercado) conducts a long-running affair with the more openly gay Santiago (Cordona), though he also has a loving and pregnant wife at home.

When Santiago dies and returns as a ghost, Miguel thinks he can continue the love affair, on a much safer level … but, of course, can he? And how will his affair impact on the community?

There is much to commend what is a thoughtful and often moving film.

Star Rating: 3/5