Undertow

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Undertow

Released Nov 26, 2010

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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88%

Tomatometer

32 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

Critics Consensus

A drama as beautifully filmed as it is finely detailed, Undertow is a wonderfully unique love story with a touch of magic.

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Wesley Morris

Boston Globe

This drama is a first feature by Javier Fuentes-Lon that manages to outgrow the limits of its story.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 3, 2011

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John Hartl

Seattle Times

Reminiscent of such heavenly Hollywood fantasies as "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," Peru's "Undertow" suggests a more passionate, lyrical tale of a soul in search of a body.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 20, 2011

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Bob Mondello

NPR

Undertow, for all its narrative tricks, has been given the rhythm and texture of real life, as well as emotional undercurrents that are haunting.

Rated: 8/10

Nov 29, 2010

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David Harris

Spectrum Culture

An undercooked ghost story unravels what could have been a touching tale.

Rated: 2.2/5

Oct 29, 2019

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Tim Brayton

Antagony & Ecstasy

The first part of the film is... slow-paced and antsy-making, with none of the sensitive and tragic character study of the second part.

Rated: 7/10

Apr 11, 2011

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Robin Clifford

Reeling Reviews

[Director]Fuentes-Leon...does a solid job balancing characters and story and creates a sympathetic surreal tale.

Rated: B+

Feb 4, 2011

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Onan D

Beautifully filmed on the arid Peruvian coast, this is a charming and mystical love story about two men which eventually resolves in an ultimate commitment.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/30/23

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david l

Undertow is a romantic movie unlike no other. By adding a fantastical twist very early in the game, the film became this different and very unique take on a turbulent and complex gay relationship. The acting is uniformly strong while the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. The film remains rooted in reality despite its fantasy element, which was a phenomenal choice from the filmmakers that really paid off. The highlight is this one scene where the characters are just walking together and holding hands, which means so much without a single word uttered. It's a sophisticated, very poetic movie that really stays with you.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

This movie was beautifully made, and made me feel emotions I generally try to keep under lock and key. I was a bit overwhelmed, but glad for the experience. I highly recommend Undertow.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Audience Member

Only if I didn't know the ending upfront...

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

A beautiful film and a pretty sad one too.Beautiful cinematography combined with an extremely sad and totally heart-breaking script,together with the exceptional acting form this tale of love,identiy and righteousness.Extremely belivable,really well-made.I'm a crying mess.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

Excellent movie, portraits beautifully the drama of a homophobic society, culture and love.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

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Javier Fuentes-León

Director

Cristian Mercado

Actor

Tatiana Astengo

Actor

Manolo Cardona

Actor

Atilia Boschetti

Actor

José Chacaltana

Actor

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Critics Consensus: Tangled Weaves A Fun Web

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Director: Javier Fuentes-León
Producer: Rodrigo Guerrero, Javier Fuentes-León
Screenwriter: Javier Fuentes-León
Distributor: The Film Collaborative
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 26, 2010, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 1, 2011