Watch Showroom
- 2014
- 1 hr 15 min
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5.1 (429)
Showroom is a 2014 Argentine drama film directed by Fernando Molnar, starring Diego Peretti, Felicitas Kamien, and Brenda Kreizerman. The film deals with the aftermath of a traumatic event as seen through the perspectives of various characters whose lives intersect in a car showroom. The story is set in Buenos Aires during a hot summer day, in a car showroom that sells luxury cars. The showroom is run by Santi (Diego Peretti), a smooth-talking and charming salesman who has a way with customers. His colleague and friend is Erica (Felicitas Kamien), a young woman studying psychology who takes odd jobs to support herself. The showroom is owned by a wealthy businessman named Victor (Mario Alarcón), who rarely visits the place but maintains strict control over it through his assistant, Paula (Brenda Kreizerman).
The film begins with the arrival of a young couple, Marcelo (Ignacio Huang) and Sol (Giselle Motta), who are interested in buying a car. Santi attends to them and shows them several models, while Erica observes from a distance. As the couple negotiates the price with Santi, tensions arise between them, and Marcelo becomes increasingly agitated. Suddenly, he pulls out a gun and starts shooting, hitting Santi and Sol before turning the gun on himself.
The rest of the film follows the aftermath of the shooting and its impact on the characters. Santi is rushed to the hospital, where he is treated for his injuries, while Sol dies from her wounds. Erica is traumatized by the event and struggles to cope with her emotions. Paula, who witnessed the shooting from a distance, tries to cover up the incident and protect Victor's interests. Marcelo's girlfriend, Isabel (Maria Alché), is devastated by his death and tries to find out what led him to commit such a violent act. Meanwhile, the police investigate the shooting and try to piece together what happened.
The film is a character study of the different people affected by the shooting and how they deal with their emotions and inner turmoil. Santi, who is the most severely injured, is forced to confront his mortality and reevaluate his life choices. Erica, who is haunted by memories of the shooting, seeks solace in an unlikely source. Paula, who is torn between her loyalty to Victor and her sense of justice, faces ethical dilemmas as she tries to contain the fallout of the shooting. Isabel, who is convinced that Marcelo was not a violent person, tries to uncover the truth behind his actions.
The film explores themes of violence, trauma, guilt, and redemption, as well as the class tensions and power dynamics that exist in Argentine society. It is a slow-paced and introspective film that relies more on atmosphere and characterization than plot twists and action sequences. The performances of the actors, particularly Peretti and Kamien, are nuanced and compelling, and the film benefits from its minimalist and realistic approach to storytelling.
In conclusion, Showroom is a thought-provoking and emotionally intense film that explores the aftermath of a traumatic event and its effects on the people involved. It is a character-driven drama that delves into the complexities of human nature and the ways in which we cope with tragedy and loss. It is a must-see for fans of Argentine cinema and lovers of slow-burning dramas.