Gerardo Naranjo’s Voy A Explotar (I’m Gonna Explode) is a sensational film, one that sees the darker narratives of two teenagers in love. One thing’s for sure, cinema is not lacking in abject teenagers in lover, it’s a story that’s been told many times, but Naranjo turns it on its head by introducing two characters that are rebelling but their not sure why or what from. Roman and Maru both sit on the periphery of society. Come on you remember what it was like to be a teenager. Every moment seems to count, each encounter means something, and days are weeks and weeks are months.
Roman and Maru meet at school; there is an instant attraction. Roman is the son of a corrupt right-wing politician. They embody youth in rebellion, they decide to run away and revolt against everyone that they know in the search for their freedom. Exploring their sexuality, an intimate bond is formed between the pair; they begin to believe they are invincible. Further plans are hatched, and they become the Mexican version of Bonnie & Clyde.
The dialogue is lyrical; there are moments, which are somewhat like a chorus as Maru is searching for meaning and control. Roman is fearless – however lost – there’s a lack of focus and both of them ooze with apathy. Mostly they just want to feel something, anything. As they spend their time in hiding, their parents and the police begin searching for them. It’s going to erupt, but how? In the real world actions have consequences.
This film has screened at a number of festivals: Venice, Toronto, Chicago, Stockholm, Istanbul, Edinburgh and the AFI Latin American Film Festival. It’s an exciting mix of intense desire and absolute confusion.
Voy A Explotar was released on DVD 12 April. For further information on Gerardo Naranjo read an interview with Time Out London.
