By Romey Norton - February 23, 2025
In the vibrant heart of Madrid's nightlife, Confesiones Chin Chin emerges as a bold cinematic endeavour that delves deep into the intricacies of human behaviour, societal norms, and the multifaceted world of art. Directed by Carolina Perelman, this 2024 Spanish-language film offers an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of identity, discrimination, and personal freedom.
Confesiones Chin Chin follows Vicente and Lolo, two queer actors searching for a better future. On their journey, they cross paths with Sofia and Roberto, and through drinking and dancing the night away, they share all their darkest secrets.
The screenplay is crafted from real testimonies, lending an air of authenticity and immediacy to the dialogue. Perelman's direction ensures that the film maintains a delicate balance between introspection and entertainment, inviting audiences to reflect on their perceptions and biases. The conversations in the film don’t have clear beginnings or endings, and this is where the music comes in. The jazz music serves as a backdrop and catalyst, connecting the whole film.
The intimate cinematography captures the smoky, jazz-infused ambiance of the Cazador bar. The close-up shots force viewers to immerse themselves in the character's emotions, from intense love to deep fears. The shooting styles create a raw and ruggedness, with the handheld camera following people around, and sometimes acting as a fly on the wall. The shaky, uneven movement adds to the realism and subjective viewpoint. There is also the use of what looks like genuine old home videos which gives a wonderful personal touch to these stories.
The acting is to a high standard, with each actor coming across as completely natural and effortless. Fernando Bodega, Enrique Gimeno, Mara Ballesteros, and Ángela Aguilar López all have excellent chemistry together and tell this story with deep honesty. There are so many lawyers in each character and this is a credit to the very well-written and developed dialogue. There is a fine balance between humour and serious topics like trauma and fidelity. Audiences should be able to identify and resonate with certain stories, keeping them engaged and invested.
The film's pace is consistent but lacks drive and determination. The whole film is centered around watching people discuss their lives, in either a bar or their homes. Whilst this is entertaining, there are times I wanted more conflict and resolution. The film feels like a soap drama, with a bar tab instead of a kitchen sink - which is why I’m happy with the 112-minute runtime.
Overall, Confesiones Chin Chin is an eye-opening, evocative, and easy watch. With themes of sexuality, relationships, discrimination, money struggles, an artist's life, and an exploration of pressing societal issues, Confesiones Chin Chin gives its viewers a very real look into how people live and deal with life and trauma. It is a film that promotes sharing and storytelling - not hiding and keeping secrets.
The film will have its world premiere at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival
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