Non-spoiler review
Out of all the comedies I have watched at the Austin Film Festival, Original Sin (Pecado Original) is the most deserving to be called a “dark comedy.” Lines are crossed, and sins are committed, after sexual urges and repressed feelings are acted upon. Often times in society we repress our deepest urges or hide who we really are to fit in with the crowd and be accepted. Things that we want to say or do become just thoughts and emotions boiling away on the inside, until they have no choice but to explode from within you. Directed by Jean Lee, Original Sin explores the idea of letting go of certain expectations and giving in to your inner self.
Eva (Maia Nikiphoroff) is a stay-at-home housewife who is sexually frustrated by her husband Adrian (Cesar Di Bello). It is quite funny how their relationship works, because all she wants to do is fellate Adrian, but for some odd reason, he won’t let her. Adrian is frustrated in another way; he is working hard for a promotion, but doesn’t seem to get the respect or admiration he thinks he deserves. He doesn’t show any emotion to his gorgeous wife and often times refuses to even touch her. It is quite odd to see a young couple who have been married for less than three years struggle with things you expect to see in a more mature marriage. Things only get more complicated when Luis (Alejandro Torres Menchaca), a young painter, arrives at the house asking for the money he was promised for one of his paintings. Eva and Luis begin the act of adultery, but before things can get crazy Adrian walks into the room. The way Adrian responds is what truly makes Original Sin stand out among other recent films: instead of acting with emotion, Adrian decides to invite Luis for lunch. Thus Original Sin truly begins.
The way the three main characters interact with each other reminds me of Y Tu Mamá También. Sexuality and what it means to truly love a woman is fully explored in this film. Everything between the married couple is put out in the open, and Luis serves as the unfortunate spectator. Scenes go from peaceful to chaotic in rapid succession as Adrian tries to calm his rising emotions. Some of the funniest scenes involve Adrian coming up with games and tests of masculinity to prove he is the better man.
Original Sin is a phenomenal, unpredictable Spanish comedy that fully explores sexuality and repressed emotions. You will be hard-pressed to find another comedy just like it.
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