We are far from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires here. Out in the pampas, unconventional desires are savagely subjugated either by social ostracism and worse or internally. Marcos will have none of it. He's quite clear that he's gay and is feeling his way to a realisation of his desires while walking the tightrope of local disapproval.
Early in the film his dreams of providing for his family are shattered and dangerous outside events impinge on his family's ability to make a living. Nonetheless, he tries to be happy with his accomplice Laura who helps him as much as she can.
Local lads, as the plot outline states, mock and torment him and taunt him with the nickname Marilyn. It doesn't help that one of them is closeted and is therefore the most hateful of all.
As things get more and more difficult at home, Marcus's one shot at breaking free and revealing himself properly to his family fails and the oppression becomes overt. At the same time, penury halts interaction with the outside world. A leper in his own household, his misery is complete.
I didn't see the ending coming. When it happens it's swift and brutal. I actually sat through the credits in shock at what had happened.
For me, this is a one-time film. I wouldn't watch it again. However, the excellence of the acting and the intricacies of the well-observed plot made it a memorable experience. I'm glad I found this film and watched it.
