Ernesto, a forty-something man trying to run a tourist hotel in a small beach town, has to face a few puzzling facts. The first one is to find out why the swimming pool emptied its contents by itself, like if by magic, after a storm, as well as the untimely arrival of Julia from Buenos Aires, a daughter that arrives on the scene without invitation. What to do?
The first problem is easier, perhaps to resolve. He engages Pedro, a mechanic who figures there must be some kind of filtration at the bottom of the pool. Looking for it though, proves illusive. Ernesto who lives at the hotel with his mother Elisa, and a younger sister Betina. Running the hotel is complicated in the off season. Elisa is a no nonsense lady with her feet well planted on the ground, while Betina loves to work in paintings and collages she hangs on the walls of the hotel public areas, much to her brother's objection.
Julia proves to be going through a tough period in her life. She does not appear to know what she wants. She makes friends with the only two women guests in the place. Julia cannot hold her liquor. Ernesto worries about her; she tends to get into things she should not get involved in. The relationship between father and daughter comes to a head; Ernesto cannot take it anymore, Julia, he figures, has to return to her mother. After the return trip, Ernesto realizes Julia's mother has died. Wanting to do the right thing he takes her back to the coast, where a final confrontation with the young woman reveals secrets both Julia and Ernesto have kept from one another.
An interesting premise by Argentine director Edgardo Gonzales Amer, who co-wrote the screenplay with Ana Llanos. Our main interest in watching this film that showed recently on cable, was the presence of Norma Aleandro, but alas, she has practically nothing to do in the film. Evidently, it was a coup for the director to get her to appear in it. The ongoing battle between father and daughter is the main focus of the narrative. There is an undercurrent going on the relationship, one figures it has to do with Ernesto's abandonment of Julia's wife, but as it turns out, their relationship was always strained. There are too many secrets that helps explain Ernesto's attitude, and Julia's sudden desire to be near the father she never had.
Oscar Ferrigno takes center stage in this production, and rightly so. He gets a chance to shine as Ernesto, the troubled man. Mr. Ferrigno is Ms. Aleandro's son. Like his mother, he shows he has what it takes to carry a film on his shoulders, as he does here. Malena Sanchez is making her film debut as Julia. The young actress shows a promise that is sure to be put to use in future appearances. Valeria Lorca appears as Betina and Dario Levy injects a comic shot with his Pedro.
Sebastian Gallo photographed this production with care, highlighting all the wonderful colors of sunrises and sunsets in the lonely beach town. The excellent music score is credited to Facoundo Espinosa and Fernando Monteleone. Even the director has a chance to appear in a cameo.
The first problem is easier, perhaps to resolve. He engages Pedro, a mechanic who figures there must be some kind of filtration at the bottom of the pool. Looking for it though, proves illusive. Ernesto who lives at the hotel with his mother Elisa, and a younger sister Betina. Running the hotel is complicated in the off season. Elisa is a no nonsense lady with her feet well planted on the ground, while Betina loves to work in paintings and collages she hangs on the walls of the hotel public areas, much to her brother's objection.
Julia proves to be going through a tough period in her life. She does not appear to know what she wants. She makes friends with the only two women guests in the place. Julia cannot hold her liquor. Ernesto worries about her; she tends to get into things she should not get involved in. The relationship between father and daughter comes to a head; Ernesto cannot take it anymore, Julia, he figures, has to return to her mother. After the return trip, Ernesto realizes Julia's mother has died. Wanting to do the right thing he takes her back to the coast, where a final confrontation with the young woman reveals secrets both Julia and Ernesto have kept from one another.
An interesting premise by Argentine director Edgardo Gonzales Amer, who co-wrote the screenplay with Ana Llanos. Our main interest in watching this film that showed recently on cable, was the presence of Norma Aleandro, but alas, she has practically nothing to do in the film. Evidently, it was a coup for the director to get her to appear in it. The ongoing battle between father and daughter is the main focus of the narrative. There is an undercurrent going on the relationship, one figures it has to do with Ernesto's abandonment of Julia's wife, but as it turns out, their relationship was always strained. There are too many secrets that helps explain Ernesto's attitude, and Julia's sudden desire to be near the father she never had.
Oscar Ferrigno takes center stage in this production, and rightly so. He gets a chance to shine as Ernesto, the troubled man. Mr. Ferrigno is Ms. Aleandro's son. Like his mother, he shows he has what it takes to carry a film on his shoulders, as he does here. Malena Sanchez is making her film debut as Julia. The young actress shows a promise that is sure to be put to use in future appearances. Valeria Lorca appears as Betina and Dario Levy injects a comic shot with his Pedro.
Sebastian Gallo photographed this production with care, highlighting all the wonderful colors of sunrises and sunsets in the lonely beach town. The excellent music score is credited to Facoundo Espinosa and Fernando Monteleone. Even the director has a chance to appear in a cameo.
