Peppermint Frappé 1967

Julián's quiet life and craft

A pair of hands meticulously crops images from a fashion magazine for a personal scrapbook, revealing Julián’s meticulous, conservative nature. He runs a radiology clinic from his home, assisted by Ana, a shy nurse. This quiet life sets the stage for the later, more dangerous obsession.

Elena's entrance and Julián's first shock

At Pablo's mother's house, Elena arrives and Julián is struck by her cosmopolitan beauty. She reminds him of a mysterious woman from Calanda, yet she denies ever having been there or seen him. Julián's fascination deepens despite her denial.

Obsession grows; sightseeing with Elena

In the days after their first meeting, Julián becomes increasingly infatuated and looks for excuses to be near Elena. He takes Elena sightseeing to Cuenca, hoping for a closer connection. Elena remains indifferent, but Julián's obsession only grows.

Ana and Julián's affair begins

Frustrated by Elena's aloofness, Julián turns to his lab assistant Ana, who secretly pines for him. They begin a sexual liaison, and Julián manipulates Ana to dress and groom herself like Elena. The dynamics shift from professional to intimate and controlling.

Elena's rejection continues

Despite the affair with Ana, Julián continues pursuing Elena, who resists his advances with derision. He grows more determined to win her, no matter the cost. The emotional tension tightens around their shared circle.

Countryside invitation and tour

Julián invites Pablo and Elena to his countryside cottage for a weekend visit and a chance to relive old memories. He tours them around the grounds of an abandoned spa where he and Pablo used to play as children. The setting blends nostalgia with a brewing plan of revenge.

Prank and revenge plan

A practical joke by Pablo and Elena aimed at humiliating Julián culminates with Elena showing up with a drum, taunting him in front of the host. The moment fuels Julián's resolve to even the score. He begins to craft an elaborate revenge that will hinge on manipulation of those around him.

Invitation and complicity

Julián senses Elena's curiosity about his relationship with Ana and invites them to join him and Ana at the country house. He positions Ana as a co-conspirator and as part of the ruse. The invitation tightens the web of deception that will unfold.

Ana drugged to set the trap

Before Pablo and Elena arrive, Julián has Ana drugged and, while she is sleeping, places the same drug in a decanter containing peppermint frappe. He intends the drink to be shared, showing that Ana can be trusted to enact the plan. The setup signals an escalation toward a deadly outcome.

Beverage shared; the drug takes effect

When Pablo and Elena arrive, Julián offers them the prepared beverage and claims Ana will join them later. After a few sips, they begin to ridicule Julián again, and the drug takes effect. Julián helps them into the car, preparing to stage an accident that will erase their presence.

Faked death and escape

The unconscious couple is carried to their car, which Julián pushes off a cliff to imitate an automobile accident. He returns to the country house and begins to clean the scene of incriminating traces. The act completes his plan to remove Elena and Pablo from the picture.

Ana re-dressed as Calanda's woman

Back at the country house, the place is cleared of evidence and Ana is dressed as the Calanda woman, mirroring Julián's fixation. The two share a quiet moment of twisted triumph, as if the ritual has been completed.