TL;DR
- The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo explores the AIDS crisis with humor and heart.
- The film features a chosen family of LGBTQ+ performers.
- Diego Céspedes emphasizes the importance of human connection.
- The narrative includes moments of violence to reflect reality.
- Available to stream on MUBI from May 15.
In the world of cinema, tackling the AIDS pandemic is often a somber affair, but The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo flips the script with a vibrant and humorous lens. This film marks the impressive debut of Chilean writer-director Diego Céspedes, who offers a colorful allegory of the AIDS crisis set against the backdrop of a western drama sprinkled with magical realism.
Set in 1982, we follow 11-year-old Lidia, portrayed by newcomer Tamara Cortés, as she navigates life in a mining town in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Lidia is enveloped in a loving chosen family of LGBTQ+ performers, led by the nurturing Flamingo (Matías Catalán) and the matriarch Mama Boa (Paula Dinamarca). Together, they light up the local cantina with nightly shows until a mysterious and deadly disease casts a shadow over their lives.
As whispers of the illness spread, the town turns its gaze upon this queer family, blaming them for the disease that is said to be transmitted through the gaze shared between men in love. Céspedes poignantly reflects, “What’s happening right now in the world, with this new fascism, is because we don’t look each other in the eye.” This sentiment resonates deeply as the film unfolds, showcasing the importance of connection and understanding in a time of fear.
With stunning imagery and a clever narrative, Céspedes explores desire and its monstrous transformations. The film doesn’t shy away from the fact that Lidia’s most supportive figures are queer and trans individuals, a choice that feels especially poignant in today’s climate of moral panic surrounding trans representation.
Reflecting on his own family, Céspedes draws parallels between Lidia’s relationship with Flamingo and his siblings’ intimate moments. He emphasizes that Lidia’s innocence allows her to experience love and tenderness without the constraints of societal norms: “I always say, Lidia is not asking herself what her family has between their legs. She’s just feeling love and tenderness.”
However, the film does not shy away from the harsh realities of life. Early on, it becomes clear that Flamingo is ill, and as their time together dwindles, a heartbreaking confession unfolds: “I couldn’t imagine going to hell without you.” This line encapsulates the emotional weight of the narrative, reminding viewers of the fragility of life and love.
Céspedes skillfully brings depth to his characters, ensuring that even supporting roles shine brightly within this chosen family unit. He notes, “The characters that are trans are played by trans actresses,” highlighting the importance of authentic representation in storytelling.
Despite the film’s vibrant energy and humor, it does not shy away from depicting violence—an element Céspedes believes is necessary to portray the full spectrum of queer experiences. “You cannot just avoid violence… It’s a color that we need to paint in our big painting,” he states, acknowledging that such moments may be difficult for some viewers but are vital to understanding the reality faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community.
As the film joins the growing canon of original queer stories, Céspedes challenges the notion of labeling films as ‘queer cinema.’ He argues that queerness is universal, stating, “Every good film has something queer in it.” This perspective encourages a broader understanding of storytelling that transcends labels and celebrates our shared humanity.
The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo is now available to stream on MUBI, inviting audiences to experience a unique and heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the power of chosen family amidst the backdrop of the AIDS crisis.