Paraguay 1958 – the opposing forces of a brutal military dictatorship and the fledgling rock n roll music scene lock horns in Narciso, director Marcelo Martinesse´s tense, sexy, dark drama set in a closed society where not everyone is ready to open up.

Handsome entertainer Narciso (Diro Romero) has just returned from a year in Argentina. Fuelled by its emerging rock n roll scene, he persuades the local radio station, Radio Capital, in his hometown of Ascuncion, to let him host shows featuring all the new music. He’s helped by an earnest young gay American diplomat on secondment, Mr Wesson (Nahuel Perez Biscayart). The young audience loves the hits such as Buddy Holly’s Peggy Sue. Narciso quickly becomes a local star and both men and women want to sleep with him, including his landlady and Mr Wesson. He’s energetic, sexy, charismatic, strapping, inclusive, relaxed in his appeal to both sexes, and very persuasive. Radio director Don Luis ´Lulu´ (Manuel Cuenca) is not so sure. He’s a traditionalist who prefers the current programming of traditional folk music and radio plays, all performed to a studio audience. He also, however, fancies Narciso, which clouds his thinking. President Alfredo Stroessner – five years into what will become South America’s longest (35 years ending in 1989) dictatorship – also doesn’t approve. His government doesn´t even like the dark Dracula-themed radio plays, let alone rock n roll, which might loosen its tight grip on the young population. When Narciso´s body is found burning in his apartment, the case unfolds as to who, the oppressors or the oppressed, could have killed him. Fear and silence abound.

Martinessi has created the perfect film for our divisive, politically fraught times. Based on true events, Narciso is an important reminder about how out-of-control political rhetoric that’s focused on identity politics rather than economics (generally to hide poor government performance) can negatively shape society, harming freedom, identity and well-being for the whole population.

Luis Armando Artega´s atmospheric, noir cinematography combines perfectly with Zeltia Montes’ intense music to seal Narciso´s five-star rating. Romero gives a stellar performance, supported by an excellent cast that includes Mona Martinez as Nenucha, Narciso´s lusty landlady/friend and Arturo Fleitas as a very capable Dracula. Martinez deserved a bigger role; we end the film wanting more of her. Cuenca is also excellent as the bumbling out-of-his-depth radio director, stuck in the past but almost drooling over Narciso. Despite the dark subject matter, the audience’s mood is kept alive with the infectious hope of rock n roll and the undercurrent of sex. Highly recommended. 

RIS FATAH  SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR  London & Ibiza

Queerguru Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant  (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general.