Retablo

Retablo is a captivating and emotionally intense film released in 2017. It is a vividly realized Peruvian drama set against the rural backdrop of the Andean Mountains, bringing together the potent influences of cultural tradition, family dynamics, and sexual identity. Renowned actors Magaly Solier, Amiel Cayo, and Junior Bejar anchor this poignant narrative with their riveting performances.

The film is primarily a coming-of-age drama combined with an examination of local customs and norms, as encapsulated by the craft of retablo making—a traditional Peruvian art form which involves crafting intricate, narrative-rich tableaux in hand-made boxes. The title of the film, "Retablo," adeptly symbolizes the film’s exploratory narrative that seeks to unfold the complexities of life, sexuality, and societal expectations, as told through the eyes of a young boy named Segundo. Junior Bejar gives an exquisite performance as 14-year-old Segundo, who is being groomed to follow in the footsteps of his father in the age-old tradition of retablo making.

Amiel Cayo, his on-screen father, Noé, is revered as a master craftsman in their remote highland community. He seems stern, but the undercurrents of familial warmth become evident in his mentorship of Segundo, along with the passing on of his artistic wisdom. This father-son bond is at the heart of the film’s narrative, a bond built on shared artisanal passion, mutual respect, and unconditional love.

Meanwhile, the mother, portrayed skillfully by Magaly Solier, adds depth to the family setting and heightens the emotional intensity of the story with her quiet presence, subtle expressions, and complex emotional dynamics she has with the other characters.

Retablo is layered with elements in its storytelling. A pivotal moment that is strategically revealed through the narrative jolts Segundo’s world, causing him to question everything he thought he knew about his family, his culture, and himself. This adds a crucial layer of sexual and societal norm exploration to the narrative’s foundation, testing the boundaries of traditionally accepted definitions of manhood and morality, especially in a society that seems so firmly rooted in its age-old customs and beliefs.

As the narrative unfolds, it’s increasingly clear that the structured art form of the retablo mirrors Segundo’s world, reflecting the complexities, eloquence, and harsh realities that surface in tightly woven societies. The film beautifully explores how cultural practices play a central role in shaping the patterns of human life and identity, and how they can also be limiting and destructive when not accorded with the tenets of human understanding and acceptance.

From a technical standpoint, Retablo excels with brilliant cinematography that visually captures the vast, stunning landscape of the high Peruvian Andes but contrastingly focuses on the restricted realities prevalent in the lives within this remote community. The movie's use of Quechua language gives an immersive authenticity to the narrative that combines seamlessly with the impressive performances of the actors.

The intense color palette of the film embodies the spirit of Peru, its people, and its art. Calling attention to the detailed artistry of retablo making, the film itself is a lovingly crafted 'retablo'. Director Alvaro Delgado Aparicio uses this symbolism as a fitting metaphor for life’s situations, which are usually carved out from wider canvases segregating parts that are apparent and parts that are hidden, just like pieces in a retablo.

In summary, Retablo is a deep, sensorial, and raw narrative, that while focusing on a young boy's coming of age expertly portrays the collision of tradition and progress, discretion and revelation, acceptance and prejudice. This film will appeal to audiences who appreciate world cinema, LGBTQ+ narratives and intriguing family dramas. Despite its setting in a remote corner of the world, the themes in Retablo are universal and profound, offering a poignant reminder of our shared human experiences, our fears, loves, and identities.