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La Ciénaga

Name: La Ciénaga
Genre: Drama
Released: 2001-04-12
Cast: Mercedes Morán, Graciela Borges, Martín Adjemián, Leonora Balcarce, Silvia Baylé

2001 | 101 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 41 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: meant for adults.
It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Amid the sweltering summer heat in northern Argentina, two middle-class families retreat to a crumbling country estate and a modest townhouse, where strained relationships, simmering tensions, and the presence of children and servants quietly expose the fractures of family life. Between idle days, gossip, and unspoken desires, the boundaries of class, tradition, and faith are reflected in their everyday interactions.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic
AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Box office & staying powerWeak
$103K worldwide
Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 42K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Lucrecia Martel

Mercedes MoránTali
Graciela BorgesMecha
Martín AdjemiánGregorio
Leonora BalcarceVerónica
Silvia BayléMercedes
Sofia BertolottoMomi
Juan Cruz BordeuJosé
Noelia Bravo HerreraAgustina
Maria Micol ElleroMariana
Daniel ValenzuelaRafael