Movie Review: “Confesiones Chin Chin” – A Surreal Dive into Secrets, Desire, and Self-Discovery

Written by Carolina Perelman and Samuel Rotter, and directed by Carolina Perelman, ‘Confesiones Chin Chin‘ is a film that dares to be different. This is a theme that runs through the film from the start to the very end.

The film opens with the statement, “The following confessions are based on true stories.” Immediately, your mind starts to race. What kind of confessions? Who are they from? You might start to think that you are stepping into a deeply personal, perhaps scandalous tale. But then the opening scenes further mislead you in the most unexpected way.

A man and a woman walk towards each other on a picturesque hill, a well-framed shot capturing the intentionality of the film’s cinematography. It feels like the start of a love story, perhaps one about two people longing for a deep connection. This opening shot is serene and, romantic even. But then, in a jarring shift, the man asks his companion: “Walk me like a dog?” Without hesitation, she ties a scarf around his neck, and he gets on all fours, prancing and barking like an obedient pet. At that moment, whatever assumptions you have about this film dissipates.

From there, the narrative shifts, weaving through scattered glimpses of Madrid’s buzzing streets before finally settling inside Cazador, the smoky, pulsating bar that serves as the film’s heart. This is where the real confessions come to light.

At its core, Confesiones Chin Chin follows two queer actors, Vicente and Lolo, alongside a cast of misfits, as they navigate a world of art, love, and survival. Within the glow of Cazador, they exchange intimate secrets, revealing their desires, struggles, and the harsh realities they face. The film doesn’t follow a traditional structure. It feels raw, almost like a documentary. The confessions of these characters don’t come across as scripted monologues but as lived experiences, making the narrative feel unsettlingly real at times. And I believe that the performance of the actors also contributes to this as well. 

The film doesn’t feel like one trying to push an LGBTQ+ agenda, though some might interpret it that way. Instead, it’s an unfiltered exploration of human desire, societal judgment, and the pursuit of meaning in a world that sometimes feels indifferent for many people. The conversations dive into sexual freedom, financial instability, unconventional relationships, and the ever-present battle against discrimination. These don’t feel like mere confessions. They feel more like strong themes that are subtly delivered on and forced to sit with you long after the film has ended.

Visually, Carolina Perelman makes bold creative choices. The film embraces an art-house aesthetic, and its decision to use the 4:3 aspect ratio feels intentional, though its significance isn’t immediately clear. It gives the film a sense of intimacy, trapping the characters within their confessions, and making the viewers feel like they are eavesdroppers on the characters’ deepest thoughts.

One of the most intriguing aspects of ‘Confesiones Chin Chin‘ is the absence of the two characters from the opening scene. Who were they? What was their connection to the rest of the film? Their exclusion leaves a lingering question mark, adding to the film’s elusive nature.

Ultimately, Confesiones Chin Chin is not a film for everyone. Stylistically, it is unconventional and, at times, deliberately uncomfortable. It challenges the audience not just in its themes but in its structure, blurring the lines between reality and performance.

Some will find its rawness captivating, while others may feel disconnected from its unconventional style. I will score it 5/10. It dares to be different, which is commendable. But its experimental approach, though intriguing, might alienate viewers looking for a clearer narrative thread. Still, if you’re willing to embrace its surrealism and lean into the confessions, you might just find it to be something unexpectedly thought-provoking.