Ernesto Contreras | Mexico | 2007 | 98’ | Spanish spoken, English subtitles In a remarkable feature debut, Ernesto Contreras gently explores solitude and the quest for love in Mexico. Marina works at a uniform factory, and one day wins an all-expenses-paid trip for two from her employer to a beach paradise called “Playa Salamandra”. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have anyone to share her prize with. When Victor unexpectedly presents himself to her as an old friend from high school, she decides to invite him to travel with her, even though he is a complete stranger to her. Together, they will find out that, in order to fall in love, idyllic scenarios and perfect situations are not important. If the necessary compatibility for love doesn’t exist, there is no way you can look into the other’s eyes with love.
Set in a modern Mexican megalopolis, the film showcases Contreras’s steady direction and wonderful performances from Cecilia Suárez and Enrique Arreola. Sometimes, we’re not quite sure if the characters are really lonely or just want to fall in love, and this is often demonstrated with great awkwardness. But the sweetness lies in Marina and Victor’s constant efforts to keep trying and seeking; a lesson many of us could take as we journey through our lives.
