Contracorriente

Contracorriente is a mesmerizingly poignant film set in a small fishing village on the coast of Peru. Directed by Javier Fuentes-León, and starring Cristian Mercado, Tatiana Astengo, and Manolo Cardona, the plot is beautifully woven, delivering an emotionally intense narrative about love, acceptance, and strong cultural norms.

Cristian Mercado, playing the role of Miguel, the burly and machismo-lined fisherman, is the central figure of the film. He leads a seemingly simple life, the responsibilities of which extend to his beautiful wife Mariela, portrayed by Tatiana Astengo, who is expecting their first child. He is well-respected in his small, close-knit community, and with his hardworking nature mingled with his uncompromising love for his wife, Miguel is the epitome of the ideal man, adhering to the societal norms of his community.

Opposing the tranquil surface of his life, Miguel is also emotionally entangled with Santiago, a character played by Manolo Cardona. Santiago is a travelling artist who is open about his sexuality and is in love with Miguel. The relationship between the two men operates under the shield of secrecy due to the conservative norms that dictate the societal fabric of their village. Santiago is perceived as an outsider, not just because of his contrasting urban background, but also because of his sexuality.

Visually stunning, Contracorriente paints the struggle Miguel faces to reconcile his affection for both Mariela and Santiago, against a backdrop of scenic ocean views and the simplicity of life in the village. The blue shades of the sea and the ruggedness of the landscape mirror the internal struggle of the protagonist, making the cinematography an active storytelling agent and a character in its own right.

Atilia Boschetti, Jose Chacaltana, and Haydee Caceres further bolster the cast, as their characters add dimensions to the holistic village life, the cultural pulse of the community, and the religious dogmas that prevail. Their roles work collectively to unfold the complexity of the narrative, highlighting the internal and external conflicts posed by personal choices against the societal norms.

The narrative takes a turn when a life-changing incident occurs. This incident gives a magical realist twist to the plot and pushes the characters towards a climax that is as heartbreaking as it is enlightening. The consequences, intertwined with spiritual beliefs and moral dilemmas, require Miguel to make decisions that affect his life and those around him.

The film is a unique intersection of love, in its varied forms, and cultural rigidity that often challenges the freedom to express such love. Contracorriente contemplates the transformation one has to undergo when faced with the choice between love and society, and the sacrifices that come with it.

Director Javier Fuentes-León paints this multi-layered narrative not as a rebellion against the societal norms, but as a vulnerability to human emotions and feelings that are universal. He adeptly highlights the simplicity of love against the complexities of the societal cobweb.

The performances in the film are commendable. Cristian Mercado portrays the agony and conflict of Miguel with a feeling so intense that it transcends the screen. Tatiana Astengo brings to life Mariela's love, her joy, her inner strength and her anguish, resonating a strong emotional feeling that binds the audience. Manolo Cardona delivers a subtle yet powerful performance as Santiago, the man standing against the tide, both metaphorically and literally.

Contracorriente, in essence, is an exploration of acceptance – of oneself and of others, irrespective of societal pressure. It tugs at the heartstrings with its breathtaking cinematography, strong storyline, and powerful performances. The film is a soulful journey that leaves one contemplating the very nature of love and society. The heartbreaking narrative with its surreal components aims to leave an everlasting impression, symbolically contesting the unsaid societal norms while cherishing the depths of human emotions.