This fresh and fun whodunnit meta-comedy skewers the business of filmmaking and our self-obsessed culture.
In a move that resonates with Silva’s signature style, he steps into his own narrative, portraying a version of himself who is depressed and grappling with writer’s block whilst relaxing at a gay Mexican beach town. After a chance encounter with social media sensation and writer Jordan Firstman (playing an even more hilarious version of himself), Sebastián reluctantly agrees to collaborate on an upcoming project. But when Jordan arrives back in Mexico City, Sebastián is nowhere to be found. Jordan dances, sleeps and snorts his way through the city as he embarks on a quasi-detective journey to get to the bottom of Sebastián’s disappearance, suspecting that the put-upon housekeeper, Señora Vero, knows more than she’s letting on.
Audiences will remember Chilean actor Catalina Saavedra from THE MAID, in ROTTING IN THE SUN she gives another film-stealing performance as Señora Vero. “Catalina is hands down the most talented actor I’ve ever worked with. Respect to all the other actors, but nobody comes close to Catalina — she’s on another level.” (Sebastián Silva)
Beyond the refreshingly unapologetic approach to drugs, nudity and sex (of which, there’s a lot), central to ROTTING IN THE SUN is its comedic mystery plot that hilariously unravels against the backdrop of class, gay culture and today’s digitally-driven landscape. Its deeper resonance lies in its critique of modern lives. Lives that, despite the sheen of social media sensationalism and instant gratification, may still feel stagnant and unfulfilled.
“…You don’t know whether to laugh or feel terrified, but it’s a comedy. There is a serious aspect to it, in terms of what it’s saying about queer creative people. I’m very brutal in the way I criticize my own people, but I’m also shitting on HBO, and social media — the fact that Jordan gains more followers because he’s posting about a missing person.” – Sebastián Silva
Exclusive preview screenings at several cinemas including Randwick Ritz in NSW, Lido Cinemas and Cinema Nova in Victoria and Luna Leederville in Perth, are slated to commence from October 6th. The wider national release from October 19th will include a virtual Q&A with Silva and star Jordan Firstman at certain participating cinemas (Fans should check details with cinemas or at the fan-force.com website for details).
