Maracaibo (2017)

Maracaibo is a 2017 Argentinean family drama film directed by Miguel Ángel Rocca and co-written by him and Maximiliano González.

It stars Mercedes Morán and Jorge Marrale, as well as Matías Mayer, Nicolás Francella, Luis Machín, Alejandro Paker, José Joaquín Araujo and Antonella Costa.

The plot centres on Gustavo, a surgeon who lives with his wife Cristina and their son Facundo.

Gustavo struggled to understand various characteristics of his son, including his romantic inclinations.

Unfortunately, he never had the opportunity to discuss this with him. One fateful night, two thieves broke into their house with the intention of stealing their money, and in the chaos, Facundo was unintentionally shot dead.

This serves as the starting point for the film, which explores the consequences of what was left unsaid: anger, helplessness, acceptance and the desire for revenge.

The film accompanies Gustavo in his constant visits to the prison to see the murderer and the process of mourning that, in parallel, he tries to go through with Morán's character.

The story is rich in symbolism, conveyed through an economy of words.

When Gustavo sets out to find those responsible for his son's death, he becomes a violent and lost man.

His revenge is what drives him every day and he needs to know why his son was killed.

The film is co-produced with the country of Venezuela, and the plot and ending have some relevance.

It is worth mentioning that the cast also includes Venezuelan José Joaquín Araujo.

Jorge Marralé won the Condor de Plata award in 2018 for Best Actor for this performance.