Desire is a provocative and complex psychological thriller exploring the intricacies of desire, deception and the darker sides of human desire. The story of the film is a gradual unfolding of a seemingly perfect life coming to an end, exposing the raw hard truths of the world that are not necessarily comfortable to watch behind the veil of riches and class. The romance between Lucero and Matías is the driving force behind the escalating drama of the story and the film’s suspense is perfectly crafted by the build-up of emotions and the unearthing of evil. The twist, where Fernando set up the whole thing and then secretly taped Lucero, brings a chilling element to the plot, making it a game of manipulation and control.
The visuals of “Desire” use a slick, shiny style to emphasize the characters’ rich world, while their emotional currents are turbulent. The performances are interesting, particularly the way that Lucero’s psychological struggle and Fernando’s calculating appearance are conveyed. The atmosphere of the movie is on the verge of sensuality and the sense of dread, as the audience is always wondering what is going on with each of the actors’ minds. The climax at the swimming club is shocking and tragic, and represents the volatile mix of love, revenge and guilt. The film’s cinematography and soundtrack are perfectly in sync, suggesting a feeling of claustrophobia in the family’s secrets, and showcasing the dark psychological aspects of the story.
The film’s stark portrayal of the devastation wrought by secrets and obsession really struck me. The characters are morally ambiguous, creating the viewer’s dilemma of what is considered loyalty and justice, and making the film very unsettlingly believable. Though it has melodramatic moments, “Desire” more generally has a disturbing message on the power of desire to corrupt and destroy, and sometimes on the power of darkness to form strange connections — even violent ones. A morally complex thriller with a compelling plot that lingers well after the credits roll.
