Only Human

Only Human

2004 · 93 min · EN · 6.4 (24 votes)
Dir. Teresa De Pelegrí, Dominic Harari · Starring Norma Aleandro, Guillermo Toledo, Marián Aguilera, Fernando Ramallo, María Botto, Alba Molinero
DramaComedyRomance

Leni takes Rafi to meet her family in Madrid. Leni's family is Jewish - mother, father, older sister and daughter, brother, and grandfather. Rafi is Palestinian, in Spain since age 12. Before her father returns from work, Leni reveals Rafi's origins. He accidentally drops a block of frozen soup out the flat window, probably killing a passerby. Leni initiates a cover-up and Rafi figures out the body is probably Leni's father. The body disappears and without telling the rest of the family what they know, Leni and Rafi organize a search for dad. Mom is sure he's having an affair. Leni's belly-dancing sister kisses Rafi. Her brother grabs a rifle to shoot the Arab. Can anything be put right?

VIBE

A simmering pot of cultural misunderstandings and familial tensions boils over. This film feels like an uncomfortable family reunion where secrets lurk beneath polite conversation, leading to a darkly comedic and ultimately poignant exploration of human connection.

awkwardtensedarkly comedicuncomfortablemelancholicsteadydomestic dramacharacter-drivenEuropean arthousecultural clashfamily secretsidentityguiltforbidden love
infidelitysibling relationshipliterature professorduckjewrypregnancyattempted murderjewish lifesuppebelly dancingfamily reunionwoman director
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