Los decentes

Belen begins a job as a housemaid in a wealthy, gated community on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. She keeps her head down, works hard and gets to know area residents who are in various states of arrested development due to their isolation and arrogance. One fine day, through the brush, Belen catches a glimpse of an adjacent nudist colony. Her curiosity soon leads her to the club. As Belen discovers her passionate side, she starts to smile and enjoy life for once. She begins to lead a double life, slipping away from the security obsessed and intolerant community to enjoy workshops, skin on skin contact and freedom. As the two cultures clash, Belen is forced to choose between them. There are profound consequences because of this, for her as well as the spheres she inhabits.

This Spanish language satire is based on a real club and controversy in Buenos Aires, yet it is exaggerated here and taken to a vastly different conclusion. I quite enjoyed watching Belen lose her inhibitions and gain happiness in her life. Order for the sake of order, and the separation it entails, is no way to live. The film reveals this conceit. A few characters could be better developed, the acting of some of the supporting cast leaves something to be desired, and the conclusion is far-fetched (maybe I took it too seriously), yet overall it is enjoyable, refreshing and, of course, delightfully unadorned. Seen at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.