Delantero (Spanish)

Set in the context of amateur soccer in Cuba, "Delantero" is a relatively solid coming-of-age story about a young man discovering (and denying) his sexuality. The film is just over an hour, so it's an easy watch too. The movie was directly released on Cuban television back in the year and only made its way to US in 2025.

Young teen Freddie lives with his father in a small town in Cuba. Freddie is in closet an this father doesn't know but rumors about Freddie being gay have already begun to spread. When Freddie comes home bruised and bloody, his father becomes concerned and asks what happened. Freddie lies and tells him that he got into a fight over a girl. Wanting to keep his son safe, his father moves him to Havana to live with his aunt. There he befriends a guy on the local soccer team who get shim to join. When one of the players from an opposing team discovers that Freddie is gay, he uses it to make trouble. It turns out that Freddie has a friend (or a boyfriend), who made a move on him in the town and hence the fight. He lives in Havana now and he alongwith his parents makes him feel welcome and non-judged for his sexuality. Thanks to his aunt, and a good group of supportive friends, Freddie now starts to feel more comfortable with his sexuality.

Delantero means the forward player, a great title for a coming out story. The coming-out process can sometimes feel overwhelming. It's a deeply moving experience, especially regarding family. This movie does a fantastic job of presenting that to the viewer. I think at some level all of us may be able to relate to Freddie. He has penchant for soccer and we al know how difficult is to be open about your sexuality in sports. Having said that I feel like the film was made on a shoestring budget. Also I wish there was more depth given to Freddie's character. Also I am not sure of Damian's friendship with Freddie also had something to do with sexuality or not? It also would have benefice to see what exactly was his relationship to the long haired guy, who tried to kiss Freddie and whose parents invite him for dinner. Despite its budget, all actors do a very good job, I also liked how the aunt and Freddie has small little family moments talking, making coffee and just verbally being nice to one another and taking care. Overall, this is a long short film about acceptance and how living in the closet can affect you mentally and also physically. (5.5/10)

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