Cachorro 2004

Violeta (Elvira Lindo) embarks on a journey to India, leaving her 10-year-old son Bernardo (David Castillo) in the care of her brother Pedro (José Luis García Pérez), a flamboyant gay dentist based in Madrid. Pedro is in the middle of a chaotic party when Violeta departs, showcasing the contrast between their lifestyles. Known for her laid-back, bohemian approach to life, Violeta assures Bernardo that her stay in India will be brief, despite the unpredictable circumstances that often define her priorities.

The relationship between Pedro and Violeta is complex; although she accepts him completely, their personalities often lead to clashes. Adding fuel to the fire, Violeta is convinced that Bernardo shares her unconventional views, believing he is also gay, while Pedro finds this notion absurd. Meanwhile, young Bernardo tries to navigate this whirlwind by cooking meals for Pedro and his friend Iván (Juanjo Martínez), who is less than considerate when it comes to respecting Pedro’s home after rolling a joint at the dinner table.

Lola (Diana Cerezo), a teenager living in the building, offers to babysit Bernardo while Pedro goes to the airport to pick up Manuel ([Arno Chevrier]), a French pilot he sees occasionally but won’t admit to being in a serious relationship with. Their reunion is tumultuous, highlighting the passionate yet unstable nature of Pedro’s romantic life.

As a mother, Violeta struggles with her responsibilities, and when she finally calls home, her absence brings joy to both Bernardo and Pedro. In a comedic turn, Pedro finds himself dealing with a patient, Juan Carlos (Josep Tomàs), who would rather avoid traditional medicine, yet is forced to confront his health issues due to a more pressing problem.

The unexpected arrival of Bernardo’s paternal grandmother, Dª Teresa (Empar Ferrer), brings a mixture of gifts and tension. Her intentions to bond with her grandson are met with resistance from Bernardo, who prefers to keep his distance. Instead, he opts for a casual café gathering with Pedro, Teresa, and Manuel, leading to an emotional confrontation. Teresa, deeply critical of Violeta, accuses her of being a poor influence on her son, underlying the chaos of the family dynamics.

As the story unfolds, Pedro finds himself caught between his burgeoning relationship with Manuel and the reappearance of Teresa, who is intent on gaining access to Bernardo. The pressure mounts as Teresa threatens legal action, leveraging Pedro’s health status against him, a tactic that leaves him feeling cornered.

This tension crescendos when Pedro and Teresa have a fraught conversation about Bernardo’s future. While Teresa proposes a compromise suggesting Bernardo attend a bilingual boarding school, Pedro is determined to protect his nephew from her influence. The narrative deftly illustrates Pedro’s struggle for custody and his determination to maintain a stable environment for Bernardo amidst the tumultuous family backdrop.

The film takes a poignant turn when we see Bernardo adapting to life in the boarding school while grappling with the complexities of his family’s circumstances. As time passes, the characters begin to reconcile their differences, and the audience is heartened by Violeta’s recognition that Teresa also harbors love for Bernardo.

Later, we witness the passing of time and the inevitable interplay of life and death as Bernardo reflects on the loss of his grandmother. The story artfully illustrates the challenges of familial ties, the struggle for acceptance, and the bittersweet memories that shape our lives. Ultimately, it leaves viewers contemplating the fragile yet enduring bonds of family.