Esteros (2016) is an Argentinian romantic drama that tells the story of two childhood friends, MatΓas and JerΓ³nimo, who reconnect as adults after years of separation. The film beautifully explores themes of love, repression, and self-acceptance against the breathtaking backdrop of the Argentinian wetlands. Through a non-linear narrative that moves between past and present, Esteros captures the innocence of first love and the pain of lost time, as the two men struggle to reconcile their past emotions with their current realities.
As children, MatΓas and JerΓ³nimo shared an inseparable bond, growing up together in the serene landscapes of the Esteros del IberΓ‘. One summer, their friendship blossomed into something deeper, as they discovered their feelings for each other. However, their innocent romance was abruptly cut short when MatΓas' conservative parents decided to move away, separating them. MatΓas, pressured by societal expectations and his familyβs beliefs, gradually suppressed his emotions and drifted into a conventional life. JerΓ³nimo, on the other hand, embraced his identity, but never truly moved on from his first love.
Years later, fate brings them back together when MatΓas returns to his hometown with his girlfriend, Rochi. A chance encounter reunites him with JerΓ³nimo, who is now an openly gay artist. As they spend time together, their buried emotions resurface, creating a tension that neither of them can ignore. MatΓas, who has spent years living a life dictated by others, is confronted with the undeniable truth of his past. Meanwhile, JerΓ³nimo struggles with the pain of rekindled love, unsure if MatΓas will ever have the courage to embrace what they once had.
As MatΓasβ inner turmoil grows, he finds himself drawn back to the freedom and joy he once felt with JerΓ³nimo. The lush landscapes of the estuaries serve as a metaphor for their loveβnatural, untamed, and enduring despite time and distance. Throughout the film, flashbacks reveal the depth of their childhood connection, making their present struggle even more heartbreaking. MatΓas must make a choice: continue living a life of denial or finally embrace his true self, regardless of societal expectations. JerΓ³nimo, while still in love with MatΓas, refuses to be someoneβs secret again, forcing MatΓas to confront his fears head-on.
In the filmβs emotional climax, MatΓas finally acknowledges his feelings, choosing honesty over repression. The ending is open-ended yet hopeful, suggesting that while time was lost, love still remains. Esteros is a touching and visually stunning exploration of first love, second chances, and the courage it takes to be true to oneself. With its heartfelt performances and poetic storytelling, the film resonates deeply, leaving audiences with a profound appreciation for the beauty of love in its purest form.
