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A ghost lover won't let go, and neither will this devastating Peruvian romance.
TMDB
74
Rotten Tomatoes
88
Audience Score
90
Watch(US)

Undertow (2009)

achingly tendersupernatural slow-burnrural gothic

Overview

DramaRomance

A married fisherman struggles to reconcile his devotion to his male lover within his town's rigid traditions.

Flag of PEPESpanish
Content warning
male homosexualityghostritualsupernaturallgbtgay themedeathseaperumagic realism+5 more

Standout Aspects

Acting

Mercado's silent anguish speaks volumes.

Cinematography

The sea itself becomes a character.

Direction

Fuentes-León balances magic and grit perfectly.

Best for:Solo: Cry ugly in peace. No witnesses.·Date Night: Only if you're ready to process together after.·Streaming: Peruvian cinema deserves your full attention.
Heads up:Emotional: Terminal illness and impossible choices ahead.·Triggers: Closeted existence, societal rejection of queerness.
Javier Fuentes-León

Director

Javier Fuentes-León

ReleasedSep 23, 2009
Runtime1h 40m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Paceslow
Intensitymedium
Tonemixed
Feelheavy
Dynamo
El Calvo Films

Top Cast

Cristian Mercado

Cristian Mercado

Miguel

Manolo Cardona

Manolo Cardona

Santiago

Tatiana Astengo

Tatiana Astengo

Mariela

Haydeé Cáceres

Haydeé Cáceres

Trinidad

Emilram Cossío

Emilram Cossío

Pato

Cindy Díaz

Cindy Díaz

Isaura

Ask about Undertow

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

Filmed in Cabo Blanco, Peru, where fishing communities still maintain rigid gender roles that the director grew up observing.

Insight

The ghost story structure allowed Peruvian censors to accept a gay romance they might have otherwise banned—horror as queer Trojan horse.

YouTube

Undertow (Contracorriente) Official U.S. Trailer - HD

Undertow (Contracorriente) Official U.S. Trailer - HD

Gallery

Reviews

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