Fin de Siglo
“What if I had made a different decision or taken a different path? Would I be happier?” This is the question posed by writer-director Lucio Castro in his debut feature, End of the Century. End of the Century will screen at the BFI London Film Festival on Tuesday, October 8th, 2019.
At some point in our lives, we have all asked ourselves, “What if I had made a different decision or taken a different path? Would I be happier?” This is the question posed by writer-director Lucio Castro in his debut feature, End of the Century. Here, Castro focuses on the power of those random encounters that may or may not have shaped your life, given different circumstances.
Ocho (Juan Barberini) has just arrived in Barcelona and is settling into his Airbnb apartment, looking out over the scenic city. By day, he walks around the city, taking in the beauty of the buildings, beaches, and parks, while eagerly looking for a potential partner for fun. But while Otto firmly believes in no-strings-attached meets, his world is about to be suddenly challenged by meeting Javi (Ramon Pujol) for an afternoon of passionate sex.
Following the heat of desire, both men sit on a rooftop, drinking wine and eating crackers while looking out over the city as the sun sets on the century. Javi discusses his open and loving relationship with his husband, while Ocho reflects on his recent separation from his partner. But as the conversation progresses, a deep sense of Déjà vu stirs in Otto’s mind. Have they met before?
Lucio Castro’s film owes much to Andrew Haigh’s Weekend in its style and discussions, as Ocho and Javi explore their relationship goals and their individual barriers. As both men’s pasts collide, End of the Century becomes a powerful journey into memory, regret and desire in a nuanced story of commitment, connection, and the potential love we have all squandered through snap decisions.
Director: Lucio Castro
Cast: Juan Barberini, Ramon Pujol
Argentina (2019)
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