Esteros

Two childhood friends, Matías and Jerónico, grow up in the same town and quietly discover a pull between them as they enter adolescence. Their bond is tested by family pressures and the changing tides of friendship, and a separation reshapes their paths. Years later they meet again as adults, bringing with them memories that feel almost forbidden. The film follows their uneasy reunion, tracing how attraction, loyalty, and doubt collide under a social glare that frowns on same sex feelings. Instead of loud drama, Esteros relies on close, observed moments, silences that linger, glances that say more than words, and conversations that reveal the cost of hiding who you are.

Directed by Papu Curotto, Esteros arrives as a restrained drama with an original story by Andi Nachon. It centers on two men who navigate desire and social judgment through intimate, everyday moments rather than sensational plot turns. The film premiered in 2016 at regional festivals, earning quiet praise for its honesty.

Box office data for Esteros is not widely reported, reflecting its limited release. The film circulated mainly through film festivals, art houses, and regional cinemas, appealing to viewers who seek intimate drama rather than mainstream blockbusters. Its modest footprint mirrors the film's steady critical appreciation.

While Esteros did not win major international prizes, it attracted attention at smaller festivals where it was praised for its restraint and emotional honesty. Critics highlighted the strong performances by Ignacio Rogers and Esteban Masturini, and many noted the film's precise handling of sensitive themes without sensationalism. It resonated with audiences seeking nuanced depictions of identity.

Reception focused on its quiet mood and the tension between longing and fear. Critics praised the naturalistic acting, the way the film frames ordinary spaces as charged scenes, and its willingness to let conversations linger. Viewers respond to the honest look at how families, friends, and communities respond when attraction breaks social norms.