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On this page: THE DIVINE TRAGEDY

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 6.Nov.26

The Divine Tragedy La Divina Tragedia
Review by Rich Cline | 4/5

dir-scr Sergio Tovar Velarde
prd Edgar Barron, Sergio Tovar Velarde, Max Blasquez
with Artus Chavez, Pablo Gomez, Eduardo Espana, Helena Puig, Christian Ramos, Monica Dionne, Rosendo Gazpel, Meteora Fontana, Mauricio Rico, Zeus Huemantzin, Alejandra Bogue, Sergio Tovar Velarde
release Mex Jun.26 mmf,
US 6.Nov.26
26/Mexico 1h41

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Despite the title, this Mexican movie is actually a sexy comedy about two gay brothers who need to get their lives on track. Writer-director Sergio Tovar Velarde tells the story with a colourful snap of attitude, keeping everything enjoyably character-based, cautionary but never moralising about lifestyle choices, while keeping in mind things that are actually important. So this unusually honest film is both funny and darkly moving.

Thrown out of the house by his husband Carlos (Gazpel) for being obsessive and controlling, aspiring actor Cristian (Chavez) has little choice but to move in with his promiscuous half-brother Roy (Gomez), a barber who lives in his flat. But Cristian is now disrupting Roy's drug-fuelled addiction to casual sex, which is also complicated when Roy makes a connection with new neighbour Esteban (Ramos). Meanwhile, Cristian is taking theatre classes and trying to move forward by launching a cannabis-infused bakery with Roy's friend Jacobito (Espana). And both Cristian and Roy have big decisions to make.

After 24 years together, Cristian is sure Carlos will come back around, and he struggles to accept that he might have finally pushed him away. Meanwhile, Roy has embraced his free-spirited nature for so long that he catches himself off-guard when he begins to feel something for someone. Soon, the brothers begin to have an impact on each other, although it's definitely not smooth sailing. All of this is filmed with a mix of wry observational comedy and sparky sex-positive vibes.

Chavez and Gomez are excellent as likeable but very different men, giving unflinching performances that engagingly embrace their characters' flaws. Cristian and Roy are both taking vivid emotional journeys, and it's fun to see them realise that they can help each other. Supporting roles are witty, flirtatious and full of life, adding intriguing angles to every scene. Most unusual is how Espana's Jacobito navigates his dream-life with an imaginary pornstar (Huemantzin).

Roy's fortune-telling friend Rosita (Puig) tells Cristian to get back in touch with the last version of himself that he liked. And she tells Roy to stop wasting himself. Watching these brothers blossom is involving, especially as their prickly connection deepens into something meaningful. And in the process, they begin to believe in themselves. The question is whether they'll choose the past or a more promising future. And without being predictable about it, the film becomes a powerful reminder to seek the very best in yourself and the people you love.

themes, language, sexuality 6.Nov.26

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL