Gémeaux

(2005) Géminis (In Spanish with English subtitles) PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA

Co-produced, co-written and directed by Albertina CarriIt has a mother, Lucía (Cristina Banegas) of some children either three or four teens, who is the domineering parent in the family. Two of the mother's teenage siblings of Jeremías (Lucas Escariz) and Meme (Maria Abadi) begin to show affection with one another. The first indication of their encounter is when the mother needed to use the washroom and barged in, interrupting the first attempt. The second was at a nightclub, and they did it at an staircase. The third time was when the older brother, Ezequiel (Damian Ramonda) became the first family member to find out, and he threatens Jere because he figures how damaging it may be to their mother. Viewers predict the mother, Lucía is going to find out about it, for it is a matter of when and to what circumstances.

I know it is not a comedy, but for some odd reason I thought the time when the mom found out about her two children's dysfunctional affair was quite hilarious. It's basically because it was expected to happen. There is also some nice touches throughout when the friends/ relatives are watching soap operas and showcase abnormal relationships, perhaps making the point some of these bizarre relationships are sometimes either sensationalized or promoted on soap operas. The mother also talks about these dysfunctional relationships about other people without her herself realizing that can happen also happen in her own backyard, and that it has nothing to do with how upper class one person has to be. Ii was hard for me to watch as I was also watching the news/ sports highlights. Psychologically by looking at the two siblings they appear to be the only two of Lucía's children who are introvert, one of the reasons it may have lead to this. They do not appear to have any other close friends of their own no matter how many clubs they are taken to. Almost to the point of isolation and no direction. Another movie that consist of a similar theme is "Close My Eyes" from 1991 starring Alan Rickman and Clive Owen.

Yes, some will say this movie is disturbing. That's not always a bad thing in a film. Although I did find it somewhat disturbing myself, I also found it very intriguing and enjoyable, party because it WAS disturbing.

The acting is great and the story is like nothing I've ever seen before. The camerawork is wonderful as well. There are some great shots in here. Lately I've been enjoying a lot of Argentinian films I have noticed. I didn't consciously seek them out, but I find myself stumbling upon one gem after another. This is one of them. They make some great movies. Recommend.

Oddly enough, I kind of enjoyed the movie. It was pretty delightful and beautiful I love to see it.

The description synopsis is quite exactly how the film is. There isn't exactly any twists or turns. Everything which occurs is quite predictable and obvious.

The acting is solid yet at times the actors seemed bored. Nothing much happens besides several explicit scenes followed by a lot of talk and dialogue.

Although the central description is regarding the taboo siblings and them keeping things a secret. The film is also about the oldest brother getting married as we see the planning and everything involved with the wedding.

Once the major reveal in the end occurs, the film stalls and ends quite abruptly and sort of open ended. It's a decent simple film to pass the time.

Happened to watch this movie late night when it was aired on World movies channel. At the outset the director needs to acknowledged for holding the reigns quite well and literally does a tight-rope walking to ensure that the movie doesn't classified as a Tinto Brass or worse a soft-porn.

The complexities of a modern family is portrayed effectively. The relationship between the members of the family is fleshed out effectively yet managing to touch-base on the taboo. The wedding forms the baseline of the story and the events built around it come about naturally (family dinner, shopping, wedding dress, night-out etc). And its precisely these factors which give aesthetic feel to it. On technical front the movie is rich in the camera-work and lighting. The usage of mirrors, shadows and following the character would seem Kubrick inspired.

The director chose his way of ending the story which is purely is his prerogative which perhaps for a few it might seem Over-the-top.

PS:: And an apt title indeed.