A film where the evocative beauty of some images contrasts sharply with the filth and hopelessness of the whole.

Bubbles take us along the way on a journey into a deep sea: different kinds of seaweeds, coral spots, rocks, sea creatures, fish; all seem to dance gracefully and treat the eye with beautiful colors in a long opening sequence at the end of which we find out the visual wonders are a consequence of skillful lighting and camera angles that make magic.  It all evolves into a neon-lit fish tank, where a dead goldfish is devoured by others, before a masculine hand takes it out.

Salon de Belleza is a starring space, the main scenario for the action; it is located in a marginal area of an unnamed town. A place of contrasts, its original whimsical energy had faded and the venue became a dark, smelly, and humid one, with closed iron curtains on its windows, a metal door at the entrance,  a spot sinking and falling into ruins. 

Better times are shown via short flashbacks: there were shows, dancing, music, joy as well as hairdressing activities, not anymore. The place has turned into one with leaks in the roof and walls, wet floors, and people lying there silently; they rest, awaiting death. The shut-ins are in charge of the owner, a kind stranger to many; he has a heavy burden on his back, while he also takes care of the fish tanks. For the sufferers who have come to die, there are no acts of divine mercy, no visits nor gifts; one meal a day, they are surrounded by plastic-like silk curtains behind the closed doors of the asylum for them, victims of others or of nature. The film provides poetic images while sad and terrible things are happening.

The kind gay man looking after everything used to own the beauty parlor and now cares for the ailing in the place where they die. He also makes arrangements for their bodies, like bundles, to be transported in construction wheelbarrows to a place to be buried.

In the interior of the salon, there are shards of light from the outside; there is also aggression and violence, broken curtains, shattered glasses, deafening noise and the danger of fires.  A wounded man arrives, and the kind man is his nurse and takes care of him; unfortunately, this second character is not developed properly; he could have brought fresh air and made a difference in the whole narrative.

First feature film directed by Nathalia Acevedo, based on a novel of the same title by Mario Bellatin, a Mexican French co-production,  is in official competition and will have its world premiere at the Giornate degli Autori 2026 Venice Film Festival.

Starring Sam Louwyck and Erwan Kepoa Falé. Cinematography by Balthazar Lab and production design by Nathan Parker.