Some will find this cheeky paean to the liberating power of Tantric sexual practice from idiosyncratic Argentine director Eliseo Subiela quirkily charming, while others will consider it salacious. An exercise in magical realism, Don't Look Down centers on a virginal young man named Eloy (Leandro Stivelman) who works as a “walking billboard” for fast-food restaurants (sometimes on stilts). Brooding over the death of his father—who occasionally appears before the 19-year-old, along with other spirits—Eloy starts to sleepwalk and on one of his nocturnal outings falls through a skylight into the bed of a beautiful young woman named Elvira (Antonella Costa). At her therapist-grandmother's urging, Elvira becomes Eloy's tutor in various techniques that will enable him to achieve the highest level of spiritual awakening through sex. Don't Look Down offers a virtual primer in the recommended positions for tantric sex that prolong gratification for both partners, withholding final release for 80 thrusts—at which point Eloy enters out-of-body experiences and is mentally transported to various places throughout the world. On the surface, Don't Look Down sounds titillating (there's no denying the abundant display of naked flesh), but it also exhibits a self-deprecating sense of humor (including references to Last Tango in Paris) and an attitude of naïve innocence that makes it feel like a curiously sweet fairy-tale. Recommended for more adventurous collections. (F. Swietek)
Don't Look Down
Strand, 85 min., in Spanish w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.99 Volume 24, Issue 3
Don't Look Down
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: