June 5, 2025

Esteros (2016) – Movie Review

There are films that are defined by their action, their visuals, or their tension. Then there are films like Esteros (2016) — a subtle, breathtaking exploration of love, identity, and the spaces between. With gentle pacing, serene cinematography, and a layered script, this Argentine drama quietly grips the heart and leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

More than just a love story, Esteros delves into the complexities of forbidden emotions, the journey of self-acceptance, and the intricate dance between the past and the present. It’s a film that doesn’t shout its message but rather whispers to the viewer with authenticity and grace.

Plot Summary

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Argentine wetlands, Esteros follows the story of two young men, Matías (played by Ignacio Rogers) and Jerónimo (played by Esteban Lamothe), whose lives and love were irrevocably shaped by a summer spent together as teenagers. Growing up in a quiet, rural town, the two formed a deep, passionate bond — but societal pressures, fear, and misunderstanding tore them apart, with Matías moving away to start a new life.

Years later, the two cross paths again in their hometown, now adults. Matías has returned, seemingly having put the past behind him. However, their reunion brings with it a flood of memories, rekindling old emotions that neither of them was prepared for. As they spend time together once again, the connection that once burned brightly begins to smolder once more — but this time, it’s tempered by the complexity of their separate lives and the weight of societal expectations.

As the story unfolds, Esteros delicately portrays the tension between rekindled love and the fear of re-entering a world that may not accept them for who they truly are. The wetlands — vast, tranquil, and untamed — serve as a metaphor for their relationship: fluid, beautiful, but ultimately fragile.

Artistic Execution

What sets Esteros apart from many romantic dramas is its commitment to capturing the quiet, understated moments of life. The cinematography, by Gonzalo Llorente, is serene and natural, blending the beauty of the rural landscape with the tension simmering between the characters. The lush greens and reflective waters of the wetlands become a visual metaphor for the internal struggle of the protagonists — calm on the surface but filled with undercurrents of emotion just below.

Director Pablo Agüero creates an atmosphere of reflection and yearning, where each frame feels carefully composed to evoke emotion. The slow pacing of the film mirrors the languid flow of time, reflecting how the passage of years has shaped the characters’ lives. Despite the film’s quiet nature, it is packed with emotional depth, revealing the characters’ vulnerabilities through small, intimate gestures — a glance, a touch, a pause.

Performances

The performances in Esteros are subtle but powerful. Ignacio Rogers as Matías is a revelation — his portrayal of a man torn between the life he has built and the love he once had feels raw and authentic. He carries the weight of his character’s internal conflict with ease, allowing the audience to feel his hesitation and longing without ever speaking a word.

Esteban Lamothe as Jerónimo provides a perfect counterpart to Rogers, bringing a sense of urgency and intensity to a man who, despite his initial reluctance, can’t ignore the pull of the past. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their reunion carries an emotional charge that feels both tender and deeply painful.

Their performances are so grounded and natural that every small moment of silence becomes just as significant as the dialogue. The quiet intimacy they share resonates in every scene, and the way they navigate the space between desire and fear is one of the film’s greatest strengths.

Emotional Impact

Esteros is a film that speaks to the universal longing for connection and understanding. The love story at its center is tender and relatable, yet it’s also shaped by the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in societies where acceptance can be difficult. The film captures the beauty of this love, but it also explores the sadness and confusion that comes with trying to reclaim something that was lost.

The emotional core of the film lies in the characters’ journey toward self-acceptance. Both Matías and Jerónimo must confront the realities of their identities — who they were, who they’ve become, and who they hope to be. As they navigate these emotional waters, the film’s resonance grows stronger, reaching a point where the love they once shared becomes not just an act of passion, but an act of reconciliation with their true selves.

The finale of Esteros is both hopeful and bittersweet. It doesn’t provide easy answers, but it offers something far more satisfying: a sense of peace. The film’s conclusion feels like a quiet exhale — a moment of acceptance, of love that isn’t perfect but is undeniable.

Tone and Pacing

The tone of Esteros is contemplative, slow, and introspective. The film never rushes its characters, allowing them to breathe and evolve in their own time. The pacing, while deliberate, never feels dragging; rather, it feels meditative, as though the audience is invited to sit with the characters’ emotions and reflect on their own experiences of love and longing.

It’s a film that rewards patience, revealing its emotional layers gradually. The quiet moments are as important as the dramatic ones, and the pacing allows the tension to build slowly until the release comes in an unexpectedly profound way.

Final Verdict

Esteros (2016) is an exquisite piece of cinema — a thoughtful, poignant exploration of love, loss, and identity. Through stunning visuals, delicate performances, and a deep emotional core, it delivers a narrative that resonates long after the credits roll. It’s a love story that doesn’t need grand gestures or flashy moments — it simply needs to be felt, and that’s exactly what it does.

For those looking for a film that is as much about reflection as it is about romance, Esteros is a beautifully crafted gem that will linger in your heart.

Rating: 9/10 – A quietly stunning exploration of love, identity, and the passage of time.