Watch Boy Undone

Boy Undone is a haunting and evocative film from 2017 that delves into the complexities of human relationships, memory, and identity. Directed by Leopoldo Laborde, it brings to life a gripping narrative woven around the themes of love, loss, and the struggle to reclaim oneself in the face of a fragmented memory. The movie features powerful performances by a talented cast, including Paul Act, Eduardo Longoria, and Rodrigo Lopezcarranza, who bring depth and vulnerability to their roles.

The drama unfolds with the story of two young men, Gerardo (played by Eduardo Longoria) and Ivan (portrayed by Paul Act), whose lives intersect in the most unexpected of ways. Gerardo comes across as an enigmatic character, one battling with amnesia after a traumatic event. The film begins with Gerardo waking up in an unfamiliar room, grappling with a complete loss of his memory. Clothes strewn around and the signs of an apparent violent altercation hint at the darkness that lies at the edge of his forgotten past.

Ivan, on the other hand, presents a compelling contrast to Gerardo. His character is depicted as sensitive and caring, yet he holds secrets of his own that are gradually revealed as the narrative progresses. Rodrigo Lopezcarranza's character adds a layer of complexity to the story, serving as a pivotal piece of the puzzle that Gerardo desperately tries to solve.

The crux of Boy Undone lies in the struggle to piece together Gerardo's lost memories. Throughout the film, Gerardo and Ivan traverse an emotional landscape marked by flashes of recollection, stirring moments of connection, and the lingering pain of a past that refuses to be fully recollected. Laborde employs a non-linear storytelling technique, skillfully juxtaposing past and present, to take viewers on a journey through the fragmented psyche of his protagonist.

The relationship between Gerardo and Ivan serves as the backbone of the story. It is an intricate dance of proximity and distance, as Ivan helps Gerardo reconstruct his past while grappling with his own feelings and the implications of what they may discover together. It is in the quiet moments shared between the two men that the film finds its strength, in the gentle touches, the exchange of glances, and the unsaid words that reverberate with meaning.

Visually, the movie is crafted with an intimate lens, often focusing on close-ups that capture the nuanced emotions playing across the characters' faces. The director takes advantage of the expressive capabilities of his talented cast, allowing the audience to feel the weight of silence and the tension of unsaid thoughts. Laborde uses a muted color palette to mirror the internal turmoil of his characters, creating a mood that is at once disquieting and poignantly beautiful.

Boy Undone also delves into the darker recesses of the human experience, touching upon themes of abuse and exploitation without shying away from their painful reality. Yet, the film manages to do so with sensitivity and respect for its characters, never reducing them to mere plot devices. Each revelation in Gerardo's search for his identity is handled with a deft touch, ensuring that the viewer remains deeply invested in his journey.

The film's pacing is deliberate, unraveling the mystery of Gerardo's past in a way that feels organic and compelling. As fragments of memory return, the pieces of the narrative slowly come together, both enlightening and complicating the understanding of the events that led to Gerardo's amnesia. This measured reveal fosters a sense of psychological suspense, keeping the audience engaged and anticipating the resolution of the unfolding enigma.

The themes of Boy Undone resonate well beyond the scope of its plot. It is a story that explores the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless capacity for compassion. It is about the power of human connection to heal and to harm, and how love can both save and destroy. It is a meditation on the nature of self and the question of what truly defines us: our memories, our actions, or the people we choose to let into our lives.

As a film, Boy Undone is both a somber exploration of the intricacies of the human soul and a tender narrative about the search for truth amidst the fog of uncertainty. It is a poignant portrayal of two men bound by circumstances beyond their understanding, seeking solace and understanding in each other. The performances are heartfelt, the direction is assured, and the story is one that will linger in the thoughts of viewers long after the credits roll.