The Virgin of Lust

A grimy, claustrophobic descent into obsessive love, watching degradation unfold with grim patience and little relief.

Directed by

Arturo Ripstein

Genres

Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Starring

Juan Diego, Ariadna Gil, Luis Felipe Tovar

Overview

In Vera Cruz in the 1940s, Nacho, an Indian, waits tables at Don Lázaro's café at Hotel Ofélia. He falls for Lola, an opium-addicted, alcoholic whore who's hopelessly in love with Gardenia Wilson, a masked wrestler who slept with her once but knows she's unbalanced. Don Lázaro warns Nacho about Lola, and Nacho knows his love will be unrequited, but he'll do anything, regardless of how degrading, to be near her. Lola, for her part, can be sadistic. Republican exiles who are regulars at the café encourage Lola's desire to assassinate Franco. Nacho in turn mixes this political mirage with his fascination with the plot of "The Mikado." Where do fantasies and obsessions lead?

How it feels

Bleak, melancholic, dark and cynical. Slow-burning and demanding.

About

Obsession, loneliness, isolation, addiction

Content

Strong sexual content and language. Mild violence. No gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Search YouTube for a trailer (opens in a new tab)