Torremolinos 73 2005

Against the sun-kissed backdrop of 1973 Spain, Alfredo López (Javier Cámara) plies his trade as an encyclopedia salesman, but his once-thriving business has hit a snag. His wife, Carmen (Candela Peña), a beautician with a burning desire to start a family, is equally perturbed by the slump in sales. The couple’s domestic life is a far cry from the vibrant, information-hungry society that will soon be connected through the digital realm. In this pre-Internet era, encyclopedias remain the primary source of knowledge, and Alfredo’s dwindling numbers are a source of worry for both him and Carmen.

To stem the tide of declining sales, Don Carlos (Juan Diego), the head of sales, concocts an unorthodox plan to diversify their product line. He proposes an “audiovisual encyclopedia of human reproduction,” essentially a series of 8 millimeter films showcasing couples engaging in intimate activities. With a veneer of innocence, Don Carlos presents this innovative concept as a safeguard against job losses for the company’s sales staff. His suggestion is simple: if employees participate by recording their own lovemaking on film, they will not only retain their positions but also contribute to the company’s success.

Don Carlos schedules a convention at an off-site motel and invites Dennis (Thomas Bo Larsen), a Danish pornographer with ties to the legendary Ingmar Bergman. Dennis regales the assembled sales staff with tales of his collaborations with Bergman, weaving philosophical insights into the fabric of their discussions. As some team members balk at Don Carlos’ proposal, Alfredo eventually agrees to participate in order to save his job, while Carmen does so after losing her position at a local beauty parlor.

The films prove to be an unexpected hit, gaining traction as an underground phenomenon in Spain. Carmen is taken aback when she becomes a recognizable figure in public, hailed as a glamorous porn star. Meanwhile, Alfredo remains oblivious to the nature of their endeavor but finds himself growing increasingly adept at storytelling within the genre. This creative spark inspires him to write a screenplay for a serious adult film featuring his wife Carmen, whose deep-seated desire for motherhood ultimately underscores the enduring power of human connection in even the most unconventional of contexts.

As Alfredo’s passion for filmmaking grows, so too does his motivation to create a feature-length production that showcases Carmen’s talents. In doing so, he inadvertently stumbles upon a profound truth: even within the uncharted territory of adult entertainment, it is our capacity for love and connection that ultimately binds us, transcending the boundaries of societal norms.