Esteros (2016) – A Tender Reflection on First Love and Identity
Genre: Drama, Romance
Director: Papu Curotto
Starring: Ignacio Rogers, Esteban Masturini, Renata Calmon
Esteros is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama from Argentina that delicately explores the complexities of young love, sexual identity, and the emotional residue of unspoken truths. Set against the lush backdrop of the Argentine wetlands, the film tells the story of Matías and Jerónimo—two childhood friends who once shared an intense bond that was abruptly severed.
Years later, fate reunites them as adults. Matías (Ignacio Rogers), now living a more conventional life with a girlfriend and a steady job, returns to his hometown and unexpectedly encounters Jerónimo (Esteban Masturini), reigniting memories and emotions he thought he had buried. As the two reconnect, the film delicately unravels their past, their internal conflicts, and the feelings that never quite faded.
Papu Curotto’s direction is understated yet emotionally rich, using naturalistic settings and subtle performances to tell a deeply personal story. The film resists melodrama, opting instead for quiet reflection and authentic emotional beats. The chemistry between Rogers and Masturini is both tender and charged, capturing the hesitations, hopes, and heartaches of two men trying to navigate who they are and what they mean to each other.
Visually, the film makes excellent use of its setting—the estuaries symbolize both the fluidity of identity and the murky terrain of unresolved feelings. The cinematography, bathed in soft light and warm tones, complements the emotional tone of the story beautifully.
Esteros is more than a tale of rekindled romance—it’s a story about the courage it takes to face one’s past, embrace one’s truth, and let go of the fear that often holds us back. Quiet, sincere, and moving, it’s a poignant film that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever had to rediscover themselves through the lens of love.
What did you think of the emotional journey between Matías and Jerónimo? Let’s talk in the comments.
