Drumskin

Milena is stuck in a life she did not choose, taking care of a husband who was left in a vegetative state after being run over by a drunk driver. Everyone tries to encourage her to move on with her life.

The man responsible for the accident, Tom, leaves prison and starts attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, seeking redemption. Milena joins too, to stalk him.

What seems like some sort of revenge becomes less clear as they get to know each other. She starts to learn about his (wealthy) family, and keeps going to AA meetings, which take place directly below a malambo rehearsal room. Drawn to the dance, Milena experiences emotions which she thought were long dormant. The energy of the dance kickstarts something within her, reawakening certain desires.

Director Joaquín Cambre, with an extensive background in music videos, elevates the protagonist’s hidden desire through malambo – an emotional, visceral, and intensely masculine dance – to unfold a slow-burning thriller that enigmatically reveals: how far is she willing to go?

Javier Garcia Puerto