THE COFFEE TABLE (2022)

 

Directed & Edited By: Caye Cesas

Written By: Caye Cesas And Cristina Borobia

Cinematography: Alberto Morago

Cast: David Pareja, Estafina De Los Santos,  Josep Maria Riera, Claudia Riera, Eduardo Antuna, Gala Flores, Cristina Dilla, Aitzair Castro

Jesus and Maria are a couple going through a difficult time in their relationship. Nevertheless, they have just become parents. To shape their new life, they decide to buy a new coffee table. A decision that will change their existence.

before I even start trying to write about this film. please know that this is a very heavy spoiler written review because it’s very hard to talk about this film without spoiling it. Don’t watch the trailer. Don’t read about it to truly experience the film. It is best to go in blind that is first.

So now here we go Secondary this film is very disturbing so if you have a light sensibility and can’t handle dark material, it is highly suggested you stay away from this movie. Especially if you are a parent.

HEAVY SPOILERS 

So now here we go

The film begins like a truly dark black bleak comedy, and it gets right to the point at first I thought it was going to play out as a bunch of just bad luck and circumstances of the purchase of this coffee table. I didn’t think it would start off so quickly with the dilemma

throughout the film, there is humor and a bit of the absurd, but I think what is generally disturbing about the film is that it also plays so real. It feels like the actual reactions of a person who is in that circumstance and then panicking and figuring out how they’re going to relieve the dilemma, and also having to deal with all these characters around them.

Considering the film takes place in one location it also almost feels like this could’ve easily been a play a stage show. Throughout plays, even the minor supplies seem to be more about character than pieces or funny material.

it’s partially a character piece as we do get to know bits and pieces about the characters and their past and their relationships and really the film depends on them and their believability and emotions. while it has a sense of dread and a cloud of despair hanging through it

Luckily, the film doesn’t go for too much shock value, or show you violence or being exploitative about the situation. The filmmaking is it distracting it’s more of the dramatics of the situation and the believability of the characters that come through the most in this film. As it stays shocking yet always believable.

what I believe makes this film feel so heavy at the end is that there doesn’t seem to be any release or Relief and even with its dark humor there’s no punchline. It’s an all-out tragedy.

As there are no true villains in this film only victims. As it plays It just seems cruel to a certain extent not that it wants to be, but you do wonder why these characters have to be caught up in this and suffer. If not at the time you know it’s coming. The only question is how and why. This is a film that you can just sit back and watch you’re going to find yourself involved somehow even if it’s just in your reactions which will most likely be loud.

By the end, you’re even wondering why this film was made it’s just so heavy and sad that this is the type of film where afterward you’re gonna need something to definitely try to cheer you up whatever you can find as it leaves you in a dark place. as this is one nasty experience that you can’t help but feel something while watching.

this is one of those films that just stays with you even if you don’t like the film or aren’t impressed by the film or its filmmaking. Though I will admit with this kind of imagination, I am interested to see what the Director comes up with next.

Grade: B