Deseo is a 2013 Mexican Drama film directed by Antonio Zavala Kugler, who modernizes Arthur Schnitzler’s 1897 play “Reigen” (also known “La Ronde”). The film weaves together eight seduction and affair stories through each of the characters composing the elaborate tapestry of human appetites over different vignettes and socio-economic classes.
Plot Overview
One of the colonial cities of Mexico sets the cosmopolitan background of Deseo, looking into the sexual relations between different social classes. Each of the vignettes connects characters across classes and explores the passions, power relations, and the widened scope of human relationships. The circular structure of the narrative parallels the round nature of those relations, while also depicting the ‘circle’ nature of the desire and affection.
Cast and Characters
Christian Bach as La Señora (The Lady): A smart woman whose life revolves around her broad social duties and personal aspirations.
Ari Borovoy as El Joven (The Young Man): A young adult who is a little reckless, energetic, and full of passion.
Edith González as La Actriz (The Actress): An actress whose life both on stage and off stage is quite puzzling.
Paola Núñez as La Jovencita (The Young Woman): A young girl who symbolizes naivety before a great transformation.
La Adolescente (The Adolescent) is portrayed by Paulina Gaitán. A teenager straddling the edge of two worlds; childhood and adulthood.
El Marinero (The Sailor) is portrayed by Gerardo Taracena. A wandering character who represents lost opportunities and chances.
La Muchacha (The Girl) is portrayed by Leonor Varela. A complex individual as she holds the various aspects of self exploration and interpersonal relationships.
El Marido (The Husband) is portrayed by Pedro Damián. Absconds the contours of commitment to marriage with seduction.
Themes and Interpretation
Deseo intricately examines the universality of desire regardless of age, class or society. It’s representation of people with different backgrounds within the film speaks to the notion that all human beings suffer the same longing to feel loved and embraced. Romantic and sexual relationships tend to be cyclical within nature. This factor, combined with their interconnectedness, implies that desire is the invisible string encompassing the human experience.
Cinematic Style
Antonio Zavala Kugler, the director, utilizes a combination of humor and eroticism, offering such various perspective as sensual and intellectually stimulating. The film has captured the essence of México throughout its aesthetics, enhancing the narration with splendid images and a captivating environment.
Reception
Deseo has drawn great attention for its bold exploration of eroticism and its revealing of one of the most known works in the context of modern Mexico.
Although some applauded the film’s artistic take on delicate issues, others were more critical, stating that it was over the top with regards to explicit content. The audience reception of the film was moderate as shown by the Rotten Tomatoes score of fifty-seven percent.
Availability
Deseo, depending on the region, could be found on some streaming services or for sale on websites that offer foreign films. As with other films made in Mexico, availability may change, so interested viewers should look at local networks and streaming services that offer Mexican movies.
Final Thoughts
Deseo examines social interaction and human sexuality against a rich cultural backdrop. The intertwining tales remind the audience and invite them to observe and question the intricacies and universality of human desires, especially in character-driven films that challenge the status quo.