Hombres de piel dura

As he film starts we become aware that the abuse of Ariel by the family priest is over. The reverend has other fish to fry as we find out later in the film. This priest is not even remotely a character we can sympathise with. His penchant for young boys is one that he pays lip service to try to end, but he gives in to his desires without caring about the harm he is doing.

I have seen some reviews here and elsewhere that say that none of the male characters in the film is remotely likeable or capable of commiserating with. However, I'd make a couple of exceptions. The elderly priest on retreat at least had led an exemplary life for many years after his youthful indiscretions. And I don't find that the farmhand who embarks on a physical relationship with Ariel is as evil as people are making out. Remember the context. This isn't downtown Buenos Aires, this is the back of beyond where homosexuality is despised. His personal circumstances, trapped as he is, lead him to release with Ariel.

The father is utterly loathsome, a product of his locale and upbringing. His shaky grasp of psychology and his homophobia lead to emotional trauma for his son.

The female characters are gems. Ariel's sister and his "girlfriend" Zulma are complicit in his deceptions. Zulma even manages to find him a love interest.

Nonetheless, despite the half happy ending, there's a real sense in the film of the consequences of adult desires having been inflicted on an unformed mind. Love and affection are misplaced by Ariel onto the very people who didn't necessarily deserve it and lead him to seek others who cannot give him the true feelings he craves. He found a niche in the end, but at what cost?