Retablo (Quechua/Spanish)

Retablo is a tridimensional portrait made of meticulously sculpted potato-dough figurines encased in a vibrantly painted wooden altar with double doors to conceal its contents. I am not sure if its fair to label this film as a queer drama. It is more of a coming-of-age film especially in the patriarchal mountainside villages of Peru and the inherent silent homophobia that exists within the society.

Noe is a true folk artisan and is very popular and respected for his retablos. He is knows as Maestro for his skills but he doesn't lead an easy life. He sells his art in various cities and villages all over the region and traveling isin't easy since he lives in a mountainous region. His son Segundo is completely in awe of his father and wants to learn his skills and be like him. Noe is his idol. But on a trip to deliver a large piece of work, Segundo catches a glimpse of Noe in a sex act with a man. Shame hits him and suddenly he starts to distance himself from his parents leaving them wondering what has happened. One night Noe come back home very drunk and badly beaten. While his wife tries to nurse him back to health, the truth comes out that he was badly beaten because he was caught having sex with another man. The wife can't take the cheating and deceit and decides to leaves him. This is when Segundo stays back to take care of his ailing father. The film ends on a sombre note where Noe runs away leaving the audience to wonder what would become of Noe , Segundo and his wife, a loving family who till very recently was so much in love for each other.

The film never shows Noe's point of view. He gets drunk every-time he goes to city to sell but his interior world and thoughts are left to himself. Maybe because the society they live in is extremely homophobic. We see Segundo's point of view. A young 14 year old whose father was an idol for him, suddenly becomes a person whom he despises for days till Noe is almost of the brink of death. He is also homophobic but seeing his father this way possibly brings back the respect as an artisan that he had for him. But no one knows what will become of people in these regions if they want to be true to themselves. The social pressure is so much on an individual that even though he does get unconditional love, care and respect from his son, it will not be enough for Neo. Both the actors including the mother have done an incredible job at acting. I have to admit that even though I have visited Peru, but the village mountain life is very alien to me. This film does give a good glimpse and the mountain and greenery and scenery are simply beautiful, including the houses they live it. They are modest but pretty and happy and content. And did I say, how beautiful the retablos actually were that they show in the film. I feel like buying one right now.

The beautiful ending where Segundo makes a retablo to honor the memory of his father is very powerful. Yes, love, they say transcends all boundaries, but maybe not always. (7/10)