Set amidst a backdrop of political unrest and oppression in Argentina following the coup of the late 1980s, this impressive drama dwells upon a May-December love affair between a boy and a woman suspected of political subversion. When seventeen-year-old Pedro defiantly befriends political fugitive Sofia and provides her shelter, he creates a deep rift between himself, his family and his friends. Sofia is hunted because she was at one time in love with a Communist sympathizer. At first the relationship is purely platonic as Pedro helps her recover from a 23-day long flight that has left Sofia weak and starving for sleep. But as time passes, Pedro becomes increasingly involved with her and his schoolwork begins to suffer. Gradually he falls in love with her and she with him. But as the political situation grows more oppressive and the government steps up its search for subversives, the two begin making desperate plans to flee the country.
Acting
Dora Baret's exhaustion feels lived-in, not performed.
Direction
Doria's claustrophobic framing traps you with the lovers.
Writing
The 23-day flight backstory hangs over every scene.
Director
Alejandro Doria
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during Argentina's democratic transition, the film quietly interrogates recent history while avoiding explicit state censorship through allegorical distance.
Alejandro Milrud was actually in his early 20s playing 17, but the casting still sparked controversy—Doria reportedly fought producers who wanted a more 'acceptable' age gap.
AR
