Harakiri I Miss You Wins Top Award at Oldenburg Film Festival

Alejandro Castro Arias’s debut feature, “Harakiri, I Miss You,” has won the Best First Feature award at the Oldenburg International Film Festival. The film presents a raw, unsettling look at toxic masculinity and arrested development. It follows three young men sharing an apartment in Madrid over a 24-hour period.

The world premiere was held at the German festival, known for showcasing independent cinema. The film’s realistic, improvisational style offers a challenging but insightful viewing experience.

Unflinching Portrayal of Male Immaturity

The three protagonists, played by the director and his co-writers, are named after the actors. Their immaturity is established early. They are seen spying on a female neighbor from their window.

One character leers with disturbing vulgarity. This opening scene immediately sets the tone for their misogynistic worldview and collective stagnation.

Diego then clumsily pursues their neighbor, Magdalena, played by Ines Efron. He follows her and pretends their meeting is coincidental. He invites her to their apartment and makes an awkward advance.

She rejects him directly. This failure sets off a chain of events defined by heavy drinking and aggression. Their attempts at connection are consistently dysfunctional.

A Painful But Necessary Reflection

The film’s Cassavetes-inspired style makes the viewing experience intensely raw. It may prove difficult for some audiences. However, its portrayal of desolate masculinity feels critically relevant today.

The characters’ night out includes a drunken brawl and a poignant encounter with a parking attendant. The attendant’s heartfelt advice against drunk driving provides a rare moment of sobering clarity.

They later meet a taxi driver, Rogelia, who mirrors their own sexist attitudes. Despite his age, he bonds with them over shared toxic views. This highlights the cyclical nature of such behavior.

A final, powerful scene on the subway sees the men ogling a woman. She stares back, taunting them with her sexuality. Their reaction is not triumph, but utter defeat.

“Harakiri, I Miss You” is a difficult but award-worthy film. Its unblinking examination of modern masculinity makes it a significant debut. The film’s painful insights are its greatest strength.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the film “Harakiri, I Miss You” about?

The film follows three young men in Madrid over 24 hours. It explores their toxic masculinity and inability to form meaningful relationships. Their shared immaturity leads to a series of uncomfortable encounters.

Who directed and stars in the film?

Alejandro Castro Arias directed the film and also plays one of the leads. He co-wrote the script with his co-star, Diego Saloman. Samuel Rotter completes the main trio of actors.

Did the film win any awards?

Yes, it won the award for Best First Feature at the Oldenburg International Film Festival. The festival is a prominent platform for independent films. This recognition highlights the film’s impactful debut.

What is the style of the film?

The film uses a raw, realistic style reminiscent of John Cassavetes. It has an improvisational feel that enhances its unsettling nature. This approach makes the characters’ actions feel immediate and authentic.

Why is the film considered challenging to watch?

It presents an unflinching look at misogyny and male immaturity. The characters’ actions and dialogues are often uncomfortable. This intentional rawness makes for a demanding but insightful viewer experience.