MovieChat Forums > Contracorriente (2010) Discussion > Did I understand? SPOILERS

Did I understand? SPOILERS

posted 9 years ago by rayincumbria
7 replies | jump to latest

I am wondering if I misunderstood something.. Opinions or corrections requested.

On a simple level it would seem Santiago died near the end and his body found soon afterwards. Miguel then pressed for the local burial at sea, and, briefly, at the end, Santiago's spirit paid a quick visit (on the boat) to say goodby, thank you..

But then I started to think ..
There were scenes earlier where the two of them walked through town, even holding hands at one point and Santiago repeatedly made comments along the lines of "look, they don't see me"

At the time I simply interpreted Santiago's comment being about his being metaphorically invisible to town folk for their refusal to accept him and his sexuality, but now I think I got that wrong.

Was it meant literally - he really was invisible because he really was physically not there.

So Santiago was already dead at that point (and we, as watchers, don't know that) and these bits were Santiago's spirit / ghost? That would mean Miguel also didn't realise Santiago was dead and that the walk and conversation were in Miguel's imagination?

Then I started to think it could be more than that.. The death and burial at the start.. That was a different person wasn't it? I'm sure it was a person called Carlos... But I wondered if the disappearance of the body was meant to be Santiago's body .. or just a parallel?
I think by now I'm starting to overthink it!

few visible scars

[–] NathanProvidence 9 years ago

After their heated argument by the beach (right after the sex scene and gift (camera) scene), Miguel left Santiago there. Santiago went to the ocean and the current pushed him against the rocks. There was an underwater scene which at first seemed irrelevant, but it was then that Santiago died.

The next scene was Santiago waiting at Miguel's house. Miguel was angry that he was there as it could ruin his relationship with Mariella. Santiago was shocked that Miguel can see him, and it was obvious in that scene that only Miguel was able to see him as Mariella couldn't.

[–] rayincumbria 9 years ago

Ah! Yes, now you tell me, I can remember..

Thank you. Both for taking the time to reply with a good clear answer, but also for not saying I was stupid not to have realised that myself.

much appreciated..

Ray

few visible scars

[–] spookyrat1 9 years ago

Yes he died relatively early on in the movie, but you don't actually see it happen and as occurs in the occasional ghost movie, Santiago doesn't initially realise he has actually died.🐭

[–] rayincumbria 9 years ago

Thanks.. I appreciate you taking the time to reply..

few visible scars

[–] spookyrat1 9 years ago

Always welcome.🐭

[–] lulupalooza 9 years ago

If Santiago hadn't died, the wife (Mariela) would've been quite surprised to see the "candle man" randomly standing in their kitchen first thing in the morning. Instead, she sees nothing and carries on, noticing that Miguel seems a bit "pale"...yeah, from seeing Santiago's ghost!

The film's fantastical storyline and depiction are reminiscent of films like Ghost and City of Angels - where loved ones communicate as ghosts from a part of an afterlife, a type of undefined "limbo" of sort. In the case of Undertow, Santiago's soul was set free when Miguel was able to provide a proper burial after the body was recovered.

If you erroneously thought that Santiago was alive, didn't you wonder whose dead body was on the ocean floor, when Miguel placed a rope around its legs? :)

This was a lovely film!

"Don't get chumpatized!" - The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

[–] rayincumbria 9 years ago

Oh yes.. but I thought that possibly I was confused about the chronology of the film... What was 9maybe) flash back / forward..
Anyway, as I said, once nicely explained, I remembered the relevant bit, and it made sense...
Thanks for taking the time and adding your bit.

few visible scars