An undercooked ghost story unravels what could have been a touching tale.

| Original Score: 2.2/5 | Oct 29, 2019

The first part of the film is... slow-paced and antsy-making, with none of the sensitive and tragic character study of the second part.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 11, 2011

[Director]Fuentes-Leon...does a solid job balancing characters and story and creates a sympathetic surreal tale.

| Original Score: B+ | Feb 4, 2011

This drama is a first feature by Javier Fuentes-Lon that manages to outgrow the limits of its story.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 3, 2011

Stunningly photographed by Mauricio Vidal, "Undertow" is about a ghost caught between his lover's private shame and a town's public traditions.

| Original Score: A- | Jan 31, 2011

Reminiscent of such heavenly Hollywood fantasies as "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," Peru's "Undertow" suggests a more passionate, lyrical tale of a soul in search of a body.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 20, 2011

Right from the start of Undertow, writer-director Javier Fuentes-Leon refuses to reduce any of his characters to clichs, which gives the film its fresh, captivating power.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 16, 2010

This poetic gem about loss and the consequences of a passionate but hidden gay relationship in a tiny ocean-side village of modest fishermen deservedly won Sundance's World Cinema Audience Award and represents Peru's bid for an Oscar nom.

| Dec 1, 2010

Undertow, for all its narrative tricks, has been given the rhythm and texture of real life, as well as emotional undercurrents that are haunting.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Nov 29, 2010

A captivating, breathtaking and intricately layered amalgamation of heartfelt drama, romance and magical realism. It's one of the most powerful love stories since Brokeback Mountain.

| Original Score: 8.9621/10 | Nov 25, 2010

Set in a small, picturesque Peruvian fishing village, it's less a coming-out tale than a magic realism-infused coming-of-consciousness love story.

| Nov 23, 2010

More heart-tugging mlo than spooky thriller.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Nov 21, 2010

Peru's selection for Best Foreign Film of 2010 is a slow-moving story of a man who had good reasons to fear 'coming out'

| Original Score: B+ | Nov 13, 2010

This small film's accomplishments are many, but not the least is its ability to take a human story and frame it as a parable, without losing a bit of credibility or irresistible heart.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Sep 16, 2010

An unconventional, sun-drenched ghost/love story...

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 10, 2010

Beautifully rendered. Not to be missed.

| Original Score: B+ | Aug 30, 2010

It's nothing if not easy on the eye, and the acting's engaging and sympathetic.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 12, 2010

Fuentes-Leon takes no sides. Instead he carefully explains the dilemma facing the three principal characters without any false dramatics.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 12, 2010

Sadly, the film offers few insights and follows a predictable trajectory...

| Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 9, 2010

The plot is slight and whimsical but eventually develops into a quietly touching love story.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 9, 2010