Movie of the Day: Vera and the pleasure of others (2023) by Federico Actis, Romina Tamburello
- dailyentertainment95
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/vera-and-the-pleasure-of-others (Germany)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26733463/
Link Review: https://variety.com/2023/film/global/vera-and-the-pleasure-of-others-tallinn-1235747147/
Detailed Summary:
Vera and the Pleasure of Others (Vera y el placer de los otros) is a 2023 Argentine coming-of-age dramedy directed by Federico Actis and Romina Tamburello. The film centers on Vera, a reserved 17-year-old from Rosario, who secretly rents out a vacant apartment owned by her mother to other teens seeking a private space for intimate encounters. By eavesdropping on her tenants, Vera not only satisfies her curiosity about human relationships but also embarks on her own journey of self-discovery, leading her to confront her desires, fears, and insecurities. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant urban community, the movie combines humor, introspection, and a candid exploration of youthful sexuality.
Plot Summary:
Vera is an introverted high school student juggling her time between volleyball practice, classes, and managing her mother’s rental properties. One day, she discovers that one of her mother’s vacant apartments is a prime location for her peers to rent for secret rendezvous. Vera takes it upon herself to act as the unofficial landlord, discreetly leasing the apartment out to other teenagers. As she listens through the walls, she begins to learn about intimacy, relationships, and human vulnerability. These overheard encounters prompt Vera to reflect on her own unexpressed feelings and burgeoning sexuality, leading her to confront her fears and seek personal growth.
Director’s Vision:
Federico Actis and Romina Tamburello sought to capture the awkward, tender, and often humorous aspects of adolescence. Their approach is rooted in authenticity, showcasing Vera’s experiences through a candid lens. By focusing on a young woman’s exploration of desire and self-awareness, the directors intended to demystify youthful sexuality and highlight the unique social dynamics of Rosario. The film’s balance of comedy and introspection was deliberately crafted to resonate with a wide audience, offering a heartfelt, sometimes uncomfortably honest, portrayal of coming of age.
Themes:
Coming-of-Age and Self-Discovery: The story follows Vera’s evolution from a shy, reserved teen to a young woman who begins to embrace her own desires and emotions.
Youthful Curiosity and Sexuality: By listening to others, Vera navigates the often-confusing terrain of intimacy and relationships, learning not only about others but about herself.
Female Empowerment and Independence: Vera’s journey is a subtle empowerment story. She takes control of her surroundings, makes her own decisions, and, ultimately, chooses to explore life on her terms.
Urban Adolescence: The setting of Rosario provides a rich backdrop that captures the unique social environment of Argentine youth, grounding the universal themes in a distinct cultural context.
Key Success Factors
Authentic and Relatable Characters: Luciana Grasso’s performance as Vera brings a genuine, relatable quality to the film, drawing viewers into her journey of self-discovery.
Unique Perspective on Teenage Life: The story’s premise—a teenager who secretly rents out an apartment to her peers—offers a fresh, innovative take on the coming-of-age genre.
Blend of Humor and Pathos: The directors skillfully balance lighthearted, comedic moments with deeply introspective and emotional beats, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Strong Festival Reception :Recognition at international film festivals helped the film reach a broader audience and cemented its reputation as a standout indie production.
Summary Short
Vera and the Pleasure of Others is a heartfelt coming-of-age dramedy that explores youthful curiosity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships through the eyes of a reserved teenager navigating her path to adulthood.
Awards and Nominations (Summary)
Nominated for Best Direction at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival.
Received a Special Mention at the Bariloche Audiovisual Festival.
Won Audience Awards at both the Vancouver Queer Film Festival and the Puerto Madryn International Film Festival.
Nominated for three Cóndor de Plata Awards, including Best First Feature and Best Supporting Actress.
Critics Reception
Critics have lauded Vera and the Pleasure of Others for its nuanced portrayal of teenage life and its ability to balance humor with deeper, introspective themes. Many reviews highlighted the film’s refreshing perspective on adolescent sexuality and Luciana Grasso’s standout performance. Some outlets noted its honest, sometimes awkward, depiction of young love and self-discovery, praising the directors for tackling a sensitive subject with both charm and authenticity.
Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes: Positive audience reviews commend the film’s unique story and compelling lead performance.
IndieWire: Praised the directors’ ability to capture the awkward beauty of adolescence, noting the film’s blend of humor and poignancy.
Film Threat: Highlighted the originality of the premise and the relatable portrayal of teenage curiosity, calling it a “refreshing indie gem.”
Overall Summary: Critics and audiences alike appreciated the film’s balance of humor, vulnerability, and honesty, making it a memorable entry in the coming-of-age genre.
Production (Summary)
Produced by Ventana Sur Films, the movie was filmed on location in Rosario, Argentina. The production emphasized authenticity, using local actors and locations to ground the narrative in a real, relatable setting.
Production Companies:
Ventana Sur Films (Argentina)
Sales Companies:
M-Appeal (Germany): Handled international sales and secured distribution in multiple territories.
Distribution Companies:
Guacamole Films (Argentina): Managed domestic theatrical release, ensuring the film reached local audiences.
Release Dates:
Streaming: Released on VOD platforms in late 2024.
Theatrical Release: Premiered in Argentina on November 21, 2024.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Fresh Take on Adolescence: Offers a unique perspective on coming-of-age stories, with a premise that feels both new and relevant.
Relatable and Honest: Captures the nuances of teenage life without resorting to clichés.
Humorous Yet Thoughtful: Balances comedy with moments of emotional depth, making it accessible and impactful.
Why to Watch This Movie
Compelling Lead Performance Luciana Grasso’s portrayal of Vera is heartfelt and relatable, drawing viewers into her personal journey.
Insightful Exploration of Sexuality: Tackles a sensitive topic with honesty and care, encouraging reflection and discussion.
Cultural Insight: Provides a glimpse into Argentine youth culture, adding a rich layer of authenticity.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Realistic Coming-of-Age Narratives: Aligns with recent indie films that focus on nuanced, character-driven stories about adolescence and identity.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Honest Representations of Youth: Reflects the ongoing push in cinema to portray teenage experiences with authenticity and emotional complexity.
Final Verdict
Vera and the Pleasure of Others is a charming, introspective coming-of-age film that stands out for its originality, humor, and heartfelt exploration of teenage curiosity. With standout performances and a fresh narrative perspective, it’s a must-watch for fans of thoughtful indie cinema.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Embrace Local Storytelling: Drawing from specific cultural settings can add richness and authenticity to a film’s narrative.
Balance Humor and Pathos: A mix of lightheartedness and emotional depth can make a story more relatable and engaging.
Focus on Character-Driven Stories: Audiences connect with well-developed characters whose journeys feel real and compelling.
Tackle Sensitive Topics with Care: Honest, nuanced portrayals of sensitive themes can resonate deeply and spark meaningful conversations.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry
Support Emerging Voices:Backing fresh directors like Actis and Tamburello helps diversify the cinematic landscape.
Promote International Distribution:Expanding the reach of indie films fosters cultural exchange and broadens audience horizons.
Invest in Character-Driven Narratives:Stories that focus on personal growth and identity often have a universal appeal.
Encourage Festival Circuits:Festival recognition can boost visibility and help smaller films gain the attention they deserve.
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