Welcome, dear readers, to another edition of the Sunday Morning Movie! This week, we dive into Whisky, a poignant Uruguayan comedy that explores themes of love, sibling rivalry, and even an abundance of socks.
Next week’s feature:
Here’s what critics are saying about Whisky:
Reeling Reviews describes the film as follows:
Following their mother’s death, Jacobo Koller (Andrés Pazos) is compelled to confront his long-ignored, yet more successful brother, Herman (Jorge Bolani), when her tombstone arrives and a dedication ceremony is planned. The lonely owner of a sock factory wishes to showcase a normal family life to his brother and persuades Marta (Mirella Pascual), his most loyal employee, to stay with him for a few days. Her presence brings a touch of femininity to his drab apartment, fulfilling a façade that culminates in the photographer’s shout of “Say whisky!” for a mock marriage portrait. Directed by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll, this quirky yet bittersweet narrative was Uruguay’s submission for the 2004 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film but had limited release in the U.S. Now, thanks to the welcome new DVD release by First Run Features, more audiences can experience this gem. The film offers a window into Montevideo through Jacobo’s eyes, revealing its streets from the backseat of his car, which he uses to deliver bales of socks to less-than-glamorous distributors. The early morning ritual of opening the gate to let Marta in adds to the monotony of Jacobo’s life. His apartment, laden with gloom, feels less like a home and more like a holding cell for a life never truly lived. As Marta enters, she transforms, shedding her earlier drab appearance with a new hairstyle and a dash of makeup. But it is Herman’s arrival that truly alters the dynamics. While the brothers bear a striking resemblance, they are, in many ways, opposites. Jacobo is a creature of habit—stern and tech-averse—while Herman, also in the sock business but more flamboyant in Brazil, is a charismatic socialite. Herman’s insistence on a mini-vacation takes the trio to the nostalgic resort town of Piriapolis. Marta is drawn to Herman’s vivacity, and even though it remains unspoken, her reasoning for joining Jacobo as his “wife” becomes evident. Their encounter with a newlywed couple at the hotel spurs quiet revelations, including the whimsical moment when Marta loses her ‘wedding ring’ in the swimming pool. Jacobo’s attempt to incorporate their advice spirals into hilarity. The filmmakers subtly convey profound emotions; Jacobo’s glance at a brightly framed photo of a joyful couple becomes a comedic highlight. Meanwhile, Marta’s unexpected talent for mirroring speech adds delightful layers—and it reveals what Jacobo has failed to notice in her for years. The film’s refrigerator magnet encapsulates this: despite life’s harsh realities, Whisky celebrates the joy of living, albeit at the expense of those who remain oblivious to it. It’s a clever and insightful comedy interwoven with threads of melancholy.
Letterboxd adds:
Life may be monotonous, but it’s never too late to embrace it and break free from the chains of an uninspiring routine. Whisky delves into themes of solitude, revealing the frustrations, resentments, and disappointments hidden within. It poignantly depicts the varied ways individuals handle their loneliness: some resign themselves to it, others feign normalcy, while a few muster the courage to shake off the inertia. Filmmakers Rebella and Stoll have crafted a melancholic yet authentic representation of life’s simplicity and poignancy.
My thoughts: This understated comedy carries a deep sense of sadness throughout. The directors expertly construct scenes and incorporate subtle details to tell a rich story without relying heavily on dialogue. The film’s unexpected conclusion, upon reflection, feels entirely inevitable.
Directors: Juan Pablo Rebella, Pablo Stoll
Writers: Gonzalo Delgado, Juan Pablo Rebella, Pablo Stoll
Notable Actors: Andrés Pazos, Mirella Pascual, Jorge Bolani
Plot (Spoilers Ahead!)
Jacobo (Pazos) is a small business owner, stuck in a monotonous cycle. Each day mirrors the last, as he navigates life alongside his shop manager, Marta (Pascual). Together, they manage a humble sock manufacturing operation.
As their mother’s funeral approaches, Jacobo’s estranged brother, Herman (Bolani), is set to visit. Realizing how empty his existence feels, Jacobo decides to project a happier façade to his brother. He recruits Marta to act as his wife while Herman is in town.
After the funeral, Herman invites the couple to vacation in a resort they frequented as children. As they spend time together, it becomes clear that Herman possesses a charm and vivacity that starkly contrasts Jacobo’s somber demeanor. Meanwhile, Marta finds herself drawn to Herman, and by the film’s end, Jacobo returns to his factory, left alone… and without Marta.
