Esteros (2016) is a deeply introspective and visually evocative Argentine-Brazilian film directed by Papu Curotto, exploring themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance. The film’s narrative unfolds with a profound emotional depth and sensitivity, making it a standout in the realm of LGBTQ+ cinema. It offers an intimate portrayal of two men, Matías and Jerónimo, who navigate the intricacies of desire, regret, and the complexities of rekindled love amidst societal and personal struggles.
Setting and Symbolism:
The film is set in the Esteros del Iberá, a vast, pristine wetland in northeastern Argentina. This setting is integral to the film's narrative, not just because of its physical beauty but for its symbolism. The wetlands, with their maze-like channels and dynamic ecosystems, mirror the emotional and psychological landscapes of the two main characters. The water and its endless flow stand as a metaphor for the fluidity of love, identity, and the passage of time. Just as the wetlands are full of hidden depths and surprises, so too are the characters' emotions, buried beneath years of separation and suppressed feelings.
The imagery of water also suggests a kind of return to the primal, a return to the fluid, unstructured nature of childhood and early love. Water represents both the life-giving force of love and the challenges it can pose when it is forced into rigid societal forms. The natural world, especially the waters of the Iberá, act as a safe haven where Matías and Jerónimo can reconnect and explore their bond without the oppressive weight of the outside world.
Characters:
At the heart of Esteros are its two main characters, Matías and Jerónimo, whose relationship and emotional arcs form the core of the narrative.
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Matías is the more complex and conflicted of the two. Growing up in a conservative, middle-class family, he is forced to repress his feelings for Jerónimo when their love deepens during their teenage years. This repression is compounded when his family moves away, and he loses contact with Jerónimo. Now in his late twenties, Matías has settled into a heterosexual relationship with a woman, living a life that aligns with societal expectations. However, when he reconnects with Jerónimo, it’s clear that the bond they once shared has never truly been severed. Matías’s emotional conflict is palpable—he feels torn between his life as it is and the longing he feels for a love that was never fully explored. This internal struggle is intensified by his hesitancy to confront his own desires, which have been suppressed by the norms of his upbringing.
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Jerónimo, on the other hand, has embraced his sexual identity and has forged a life that is authentically his own. He appears to have made peace with who he is, even though he carries the weight of his past with Matías. Jerónimo’s life is more rooted in the present, and he’s comfortable with the vulnerability that comes with being openly gay. When he reconnects with Matías, it becomes clear that Jerónimo has never fully let go of their shared history, and he approaches their reunion with a mix of hope, desire, and understanding of the complicated nature of their relationship. He does not press Matías but allows him the space to rediscover their bond at his own pace.
The Reunion:
The central emotional arc of the film is the reunion between Matías and Jerónimo, a catalyst for the unraveling of Matías’s repressed feelings. When they meet again, it’s as if the years apart have faded away, and the connection they once shared is still present, albeit buried. Matías is initially resistant to the intensity of their reunion, especially since he’s in a relationship with a woman who doesn’t know the full extent of his past with Jerónimo. The film delves into the complexities of this emotional dissonance—Matías wants to reconnect with Jerónimo, but he is also fearful of the ramifications this might have on his current life.
The film does not shy away from the discomfort and tension that comes with this reunion. Matías’s internalized homophobia and his fear of being true to himself create a thick layer of hesitation. This conflict comes to a head in scenes where they swim together in the wetlands, revisiting the physical intimacy they once shared. The aquatic setting here is symbolic once again, as water offers a medium where both characters are vulnerable and exposed, yet it also holds the promise of cleansing and renewal.
Emotional and Physical Intimacy:
The film’s exploration of intimacy is one of its most striking aspects. It is not explicit in a traditional sense, but it is deeply physical, emotional, and tender. The subtlety of the film's eroticism lies in the way the characters interact—gestures, glances, and touches convey a deep emotional connection. The quiet moments when they are together, sharing a look or a laugh, speak volumes about the strength of their bond. The film places significant importance on the unsaid, the quiet spaces between words and actions.
The climax of their reconnection is marked by a beautiful and heart-wrenching sequence where they swim in the estuary and share a passionate kiss, a culmination of years of longing and unspoken love. Yet, even as they are physically reunited, the emotional weight of the moment is heavy. Matías’s internal struggle is palpable, and it is unclear whether he will be able to embrace this love fully or retreat back into the safety of the life he’s built.
Themes of Repression, Regret, and Second Chances:
At its core, Esteros is about the tension between repression and the desire for authenticity. Matías’s struggle reflects the broader conflict many LGBTQ+ individuals face: the societal pressure to conform, the fear of being ostracized, and the difficult path toward self-acceptance. The film doesn’t offer easy answers but presents the idea that love—whether accepted or denied—has the power to shape one’s identity in profound ways. It speaks to the bittersweet nature of love that can feel like a second chance, yet also a painful reminder of what might have been.
Another key theme is regret—the regret of lost time and opportunities, of love that was never fully realized or pursued. Matías’s hesitation to embrace his feelings for Jerónimo is laden with regret, as he realizes the consequences of his earlier decisions. However, the film also suggests that redemption is possible. As Matías opens himself up to the possibility of being true to himself and his emotions, there is a sense of hope that, despite the passage of time and the complexity of their past, there is still room for growth, change, and love.
Conclusion:
The conclusion of Esteros is marked by ambiguity. It’s not a neat resolution, but rather a quiet acceptance of the messiness of love and life. The film leaves viewers with a sense of possibility—Matías and Jerónimo’s story is far from over, and while the future remains uncertain, they are allowed the space to explore their connection on their own terms.
In its quiet exploration of longing, regret, and the power of rekindled love, Esteros stands out as a poignant and beautifully crafted film. It offers a delicate portrayal of human vulnerability and the emotional complexity of relationships, making it not just a love story, but a universal meditation on the journey to self-discovery and the courage it takes to embrace who we truly are.