Directed by
David Trueba
Made by
Efish Entertainment
In the scorching summer of 1987, we meet Miguel, a seasoned journalist who is known for his skepticism, as he encounters Ángela, a spirited journalism student brimming with ambition and idealism. Their first interaction occurs at a local diner, where Ángela seeks to interview Miguel for her essay on his illustrious career, aiming to gather insights from his wealth of experience. Throughout their conversation, Miguel’s contempt for Ángela’s youthful naivety and romanticized view of journalism is stark, as he dismisses much of her work as clichéd. Yet, amidst his harsh criticism, he reluctantly acknowledges her potential.
As the night unfolds, Miguel invites Ángela to visit his friend Luis’ empty house, a gesture she accepts despite her initial hesitations. When they arrive, Miguel casually reveals that Luis won’t return until Monday, allowing them the freedom to engage in uninhibited conversation and enjoy a few drinks. The atmosphere becomes electric as Miguel wanders among Luis’ paintings, making pointed remarks about their flaws, which he believes mirror his own life’s imperfections. Although Ángela protests, Miguel remains steadfast, insisting that Luis would appreciate their imperfections.
As the evening progresses, Miguel alternates between offering jaded advice and mocking romantic ideals associated with journalism, all laced with sharp sarcasm. The effects of whiskey loosen Ángela’s guard, and Miguel begins to peel away the layers of her idealism, exposing a more nuanced individual beneath. Their dynamic shifts dramatically when Miguel removes Ángela’s glasses, locking eyes with her before leaning in for an intense kiss that leaves her initially bewildered but ultimately receptive.
As they near the conclusion of their evening, Miguel’s candid nature is shocking when he provocatively suggests that Ángela strip. Upon her refusal, he asserts that he has always been true to himself, never shrouding his intentions in deceit. Their parting moment grows heavy with Miguel’s bold declaration, “I hope you will one day respect me for my boldness.” The boundaries between mentor and mentee blur as Ángela exits, prompting Miguel to reflect on their complex encounter.
Suddenly, the ambiance shifts as Ángela unexpectedly reenters, this time with her upper body exposed, leaving Miguel momentarily speechless. In a moment of artistic impulse, he begins to paint her, his brushstrokes filled with intent. As she heads to wash off the paint, Miguel follows her into the bathroom, where intimacy and tension intertwine. The shower—a place typically apart from interaction—transforms into a backdrop for their burgeoning connection. Ángela soon finds the door locked from the outside, heightening the sense of entrapment.
Miguel, seeking to relieve the awkwardness of their situation, hands over the only towel, acknowledging their absurd predicament. Together, they wrap themselves in it, resuming their dialogue that oscillates between Miguel’s attempts to charm Ángela and his biting cynicism. A cloud of cigarette smoke and whiskey hangs between them, as Miguel contrasts his preference for solitude against the weight of her company.
As the clock ticks on, anxiety grows over their clandestine stay in the bathroom. Miguel is consumed by thoughts of his wife’s potential fury, while Ángela worries about disappointing her parents. The tension escalates further with the revelation that Ángela is the daughter of a notable fascist soldier, prompting Miguel to recount his own encounters with fascists and his failed flirtations with her sister.
Miguel, initially hesitant to seek help, eventually concedes that they must escape the bathroom. However, when Ángela attempts to call for assistance through the vent, Miguel seizes the moment, his hand tracing her form as she precariously balances on a chair. Though initially compliant, Ángela protests when his actions become too brazen.
In a defiance of boundaries, she wraps the towel around herself, creating a protective barrier. As tension mounts, Miguel shares reflections on literature and life, his soothing voice softening the atmosphere while drawing Ángela closer. When she allows his kiss, the moment is fleeting as he suddenly pulls away, leaving her in a state of confusion.
In the enveloping darkness, Miguel grapples with his conflicted emotions. Sensing his turmoil, Ángela boldly turns off the light and disrobes, signaling a profound intimacy. She positions herself on Miguel’s lap, their bodies inches apart as inhibitions fade; she playfully discards his glasses into the water, symbolizing their shared shedding of restraint. The air crackles with anticipation, building toward a moment of surrender as they intertwine in passion, culminating in a transformative experience for both.
Emerging from their encounter, Miguel and Ángela ease into a warm bath, their conversation shifting from palpable desire to deeper universal connections. However, the comfort is short-lived when Miguel candidly expresses guilt, igniting a spark of anger within Ángela. She chastises him for his self-centeredness, asserting that his insensitive remark will find its way into her essay, a stinging critique they both dread.
As the tension escalates, Miguel attempts to lighten the mood with a whimsical story about a boy who refuses to leave his bed, framing it as if they’re watching a film together. This fanciful narrative unfolds in a cinematic style, encapsulating the boy’s mysterious departure and leaving his parents in consternation about his whereabouts.
Just as Miguel reaches the story’s climax, the unexpected sound of knocking shatters their moment—Luis has returned, alerted by a worried worker who overheard their earlier pleas for help. Ángela hurriedly dresses and exits, casting one last lingering gaze at Miguel before slamming the door behind her. In her haste, she leaves her glasses on the table, an enduring physical reminder of the whirlwind of emotions that transpired.
Luis turns to Miguel with a questioning look, inquiring whether he expects to see Ángela again. Miguel philosophically muses that if she were to return, it would be to Luis’ home. The film concludes with Ángela walking home to her parents amidst a backdrop of laughter and music, the camera panning out to capture the blissful serenity of the neighborhood, leaving her story open-ended in the viewer’s mind.
First Encounter
In the scorching summer of 1987, Miguel, a seasoned journalist, meets Ángela, an ambitious journalism student, at a local diner. Ángela interviews Miguel for her essay, drawing out his thoughts and opinions, while Miguel is critical of her youthful idealism.
Invitation to Luis' House
After their intense conversation at the diner, Miguel invites Ángela to Luis' empty house. Though hesitant, Ángela agrees, looking forward to a more candid discussion about journalism away from public scrutiny.
Revealing Flaws
At Luis’ house, Miguel inspects the paintings and criticizes their imperfections, drawing parallels to his own life's flaws. Despite Ángela's protests, Miguel insists that these imperfections are part of the beauty of art and life.
Shift in Dynamics
As the night progresses, Miguel begins to dismantle Ángela's idealistic views while sharing jaded advice through sharp sarcasm. The atmosphere becomes charged, leading to an unexpected kiss that surprises Ángela.
Breaking Boundaries
The encounter takes a provocative turn when Miguel suggests that Ángela strip, asserting his authenticity. Ángela resists, demonstrating the tension between their mentor-mentee relationship and the burgeoning romantic interest.
Unexpected Return
Just when it seems their encounter has reached its peak, Ángela returns bearing vulnerability, leading Miguel to paint her. Their artistic moment signifies a deepening intimacy as they navigate this unexpected connection.
Locked in Tension
While washing off paint, the couple finds themselves locked in the bathroom, amplifying the sense of intimacy and entrapment. Their conversations shift dramatically as they navigate their feelings and mounting anxiety.
Revelation of Backgrounds
As they talk, Ángela reveals her connections to a notable fascist soldier, prompting Miguel to share his tumultuous history with fascists and his previous romantic interest in her sister. This revelation adds complexity to their interaction.
Climactic Tension
In a moment of overwhelmed attraction, Miguel traces Ángela's form while she attempts to call for help. The burgeoning intimacy turns precarious as tensions rise between their desires and personal boundaries.
Moment of Surrender
As inhibitions continue to fade, Ángela disrobes, signaling a deepening connection with Miguel. Their passionate entanglement symbolizes a shared transformation that transcends their initial mentor-mentee dynamic.
Guilty Conscience
After their intimate encounter, Miguel expresses guilt, igniting anger in Ángela. She criticizes his self-centered actions, threatening to incorporate his remarks into her essay about their tumultuous night.
Whimsical Storytelling
To alleviate the tension, Miguel begins to tell a whimsical story about a boy who refuses to leave his bed. This story, framed cinematically, serves as a distraction from the realities of their situation.
Luis' Arrival
Their playful moment is disrupted by the unexpected return of Luis, alerted by a concerned worker. Ángela hastily dresses and leaves, but not before leaving her glasses behind as a poignant reminder of their charged evening.
Reflections on the Encounter
After Ángela's departure, Luis questions Miguel about the possibility of seeing her again. Miguel philosophically responds, hinting at the unresolved dynamics of their encounter and the lingering impact on both of their lives.
Open-Ended Departure
Ángela walks home through a serene neighborhood, surrounded by laughter and music. The final scene leaves her fate ambiguous, inviting viewers to reflect on her transformative experience and its significance.
Miguel
Miguel is a seasoned journalist characterized by his skepticism and jaded outlook on life. His contempt for idealism clashes with Ángela's youthful ambition, presenting a complex interplay of mentorship and attraction. Despite his cynicism, moments of vulnerability reveal his inner conflicts and longing for connection.
Ángela
Ángela is an ambitious journalism student exuding youthful idealism and enthusiasm. Throughout her encounter with Miguel, she grapples with her romanticized views of journalism and her complicated family legacy. Her journey reflects a maturation process as she navigates desire, conflict, and self-discovery.
Luis
Luis is a friend of Miguel, whose empty house serves as a pivotal location for the unfolding events. His absence creates a sense of freedom for Miguel and Ángela, allowing their connection to deepen. Though not central to the narrative, his character represents the legacy and relationships within Miguel's life.
Time period
1987
The summer of 1987 is marked by a blend of youthful aspirations and the weight of past legacies. Amidst a backdrop of changing political landscapes in Spain, this period reflects a tension between idealism and cynicism, especially within the realm of journalism. The characters navigate their personal dilemmas against this historical context, adding depth to their encounters.
Location
Madrid
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic scenes. In 1987, the city experiences a lively atmosphere during the scorching summer, filled with youthful energy and a burgeoning artistic spirit. The city's cafes and homes, like Luis' empty house, serve as intimate backdrops for engaging conversations and personal connections.
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Intimacy
The film explores the theme of intimacy through the evolving relationship between Miguel and Ángela. Their connection grows from a mentor-student dynamic to a deeply personal and complex bond, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. This intimacy is depicted in moments of vulnerability, passion, and ultimately, conflict.
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Idealism vs. Cynicism
The contrast between Ángela's youthful idealism and Miguel's hardened cynicism serves as a central theme. Their interactions highlight the struggles faced by individuals grappling with their beliefs in a world filled with harsh realities. The dialogue exchanges reveal how these differing perspectives shape their characters and their approach to journalism.
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Conflict
Conflict arises not only in their personal relationship but also in the broader context of their backgrounds. The internal struggles of both characters, exacerbated by external pressures like familial legacies and societal expectations, create an atmosphere of tension. This theme culminates in moments of emotional and physical confrontation, reflecting their tumultuous journey.
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