Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Delantero is a drama about a young man living in the small Cuban town of Saint Benedict. When rumors begin to circulate that he’s gay, he moves to Havana to live with his aunt.
Freddie (Victor Cruz) is closeted and living with his father, Rubén (Jorge Martinez), who he doesn’t believe would be happy to have a gay son. Although his father in unaware, rumors about Freddie being gay have already begun to spread.
When Freddie comes home bruised and bloody, his father becomes concerned and asks what happened. Freddies lies and tells him that he got into a fight over a girl. Wanting to keep his son safe, Rubén has him move to Havana to live with his aunt, Marua (Yuliet Cruz).
While in Havana, Freddie meets a group of young men playing soccer. He joins their team and befriends Damián (David Pereira). When one of the players from an opposing team discovers that Freddie is gay, he uses it to make trouble. And with that, the drama begins.
Some Thoughts:
Although Delantero is well done, the story could use more depth. The film brushes over Freddie’s friendship with Damián. We see them hanging out but never get a sense of their connection. It seems to happen too easily, especially after Freddy gets into a fight with a player from the competing team. Also, Damián and his group of ragtag soccer players take to Freddie without knowing anything about him. While it doesn’t seem like a stretch that they would hang with him, it feels like there’s something missing. It’s just a bit too perfect.
Both Rubén and Maura are relatable, with Maura being the hip aunt who’s easy to talk to and Rubén, the stern father. Both Yuliet Cruz and Jorge Martinez do well with their roles, making the situation feel realistic. However, how many time had Freddie come home with bruises that Rubén has him move in with Maura?
The mystery about why Freddie got into a fight is done well. The truth comes out gradually, in short reflections. And the present-day story shows Freddie’s motivations for his actions during the altercation. It also gives depth to his character, showing the inner turmoil created by not accepting who you are.
The Final Verdict:
Delantero is a short film about acceptance and the negative effects of living in the closet. The cinematography, pacing, and acting are on point despite a story that at times feels too perfect.
