Watch The Empty Hours

The Empty Hours is a subtle and introspective Mexican drama that explores themes of loneliness, connection, and human vulnerability. The film takes place in a beautiful and peaceful beach resort in Veracruz, where a young man named Sebastián (Kristyan Ferrer) has been sent by his aunt to manage a small hotel for the summer. With only one guest to attend to, he spends most of his days idling, listening to music, and observing the daily routines of the locals who visit the beach.

The film's pace is deliberately slow and contemplative, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the languid atmosphere of the seaside village and to appreciate the small moments of beauty and reflection that occur throughout. The director, Aarón Fernández Lesur, has a keen eye for detail, and the film is full of subtle visual cues and nuances that mirror the internal state of the characters.

As Sebastián settles into his new routine, he begins to develop a fascination with one of the regular visitors to the beach, a middle-aged woman named Miranda (Adriana Paz) who spends her mornings swimming and meditating in the ocean. Though they initially have little interaction beyond exchanging polite words, over time Sebastián becomes increasingly drawn to Miranda's serene presence and the sense of peace she seems to embody.

As the days pass, Sebastián's interactions with Miranda become more frequent, and they begin to share stories and experiences with each other. Miranda reveals that she is dealing with a recent divorce and reeling from the loss of her son, while Sebastián shares his own struggles with identity and self-discovery. The two form a tentative and unexpected bond, each finding in the other a place of refuge and solace from their respective troubles.

Throughout the film, Lesur employs clever visual motifs and symbols to underscore the themes of connection and isolation that permeate the story. The hotel where Sebastián works is a stark and empty space, a physical manifestation of his loneliness and sense of purposelessness. The ocean, in contrast, is a place of infinite possibility and connection, a source of healing and renewal for those who seek it out. The film's camerawork and editing also contribute to its dreamy and lyrical atmosphere, with long takes and minimal dialogue allowing the images to speak for themselves.

The Empty Hours is a beautifully crafted film that gently explores the complexities of human emotion and experience. Through its thoughtful characterizations, evocative setting, and understated storytelling, it offers a poignant meditation on the transformative power of human connection and the healing capacity of the natural world.

The Empty Hours is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes.