Waiting for the Hearse

Waiting for the Hearse follows Mama Cora, a nearly eighty year old matriarch living with a son who is mired in money troubles, while her other children circle near. When the family gathers to toast an anniversary, the room fills with quiet worry about what the future holds for her care. The film uses humor to expose loyalties and resentments in a close knit clan, turning a domestic meal into a test of who should shoulder responsibility. The result is a lively, warm comedy about aging, duty, and the messy deals families strike to stay together. The tone stays light even as conflicts surface within the family.

Directed by Alejandro Doria, Waiting for the Hearse adapts a Jacobo Langsner stage work and marks a strong Argentine screen debut for many performers. Released in 1985, it stars Luis Brandoni and China Zorrilla in central roles with strong humor.

Box office figures for Waiting for the Hearse are not widely published, but the film remains a well regarded entry in Argentine cinema with a sturdy crowd pleasing reputation. Its lasting appeal comes from word of mouth for local audiences.

The movie is remembered for its sharp ensemble humor and the way it treats elder care as family business rather than a burden. It helped spotlight Argentine family dynamics on screen and contributed to a wave of late 80s comedies rooted in social observation that lingers in memory for years.

Critics praised the brisk pacing and the performers' chemistry, turning a potentially grim topic into playful social satire. Themes of aging, filial duty, and economic strain are handled with warmth and humor, inviting audiences to laugh at family life without judgment. Its warmth feels earned and invites repeat viewings often.