The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo

Set as a mysterious epidemic surfaces, the film follows Lidia, whose family is accused as the source of a strange contagion. Local folklore says the illness passes between two men when they fall in love and trade a single, charged look. As suspicion grows and neighbors turn hostile, Lidia pushes against silence to determine whether the myth contains any truth or if people are inventing origins to ease their fear. Along the way she questions loyalties, hears conflicting testimonies, and grapples with how rumor reshapes relationships. The story keeps its focus on personal stakes and social pressure, avoiding sensational explanations while tracing how a small town copes with an unknowable threat and mistrust. She's driven by loyalty more than certainty.

Directed by Diego Céspedes, the film premiered in 2025 and stars Tamara Cortés, Matías Catalán, Paula Dinamarca, Claudia Cabezas and Luis Dubó. Its screenplay draws on regional folklore, and the production favors intimate settings, restrained camerawork and a quiet sound design to heighten tension and atmosphere.

The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo had a limited theatrical roll-out, finding most of its audience at film festivals and specialty venues. Commercial returns were modest, with the film relying on word of mouth and critical programming to niche audiences.

Critical response has been mixed to positive, reflected in a vote average of 6.875 out of 10 from early viewers. Reviewers highlighted its careful handling of stigma, rumor, desire and masculinity, and praised lead performances, especially Tamara Cortés and Matías Catalán, for grounding the film's subtle ethical and emotional dilemmas.

While not a mainstream hit, the film sparked discussions about how myths shape public health responses and the ways communities project fear onto marginalized people. It has been the subject of panels at regional festivals and online conversations about representation, secrecy, and the social cost of scapegoating during disease outbreaks.