Club Sandwich

Fifteen-year-old Hector and his mother Paloma have an abnormally healthy relationship. On a sweepstakes vacation, they slather sunscreen on each other, swim together in the pool, and even trade thoughts on each other’s more-than-revealing swimming garb. While tanning, Hector asks his mother why she listens to Prince. Her reply, “Because he’s sexy,” prompts Hector to ask his mother, “Am I sexy?” Their peculiar openness is put to the test when Hector meets Jazmin, another hotel dweller who’s his same age. As their involvement intensifies, they force Paloma into the outlying corner of their isosceles triangle. Dry as a martini and smooth as a fine brandy, CLUB SANDWICH is an uncomfortably intimate coming-of-age tale, during which Paloma develops a severe case of separation anxiety. The deadpan performances and non-judgmental camera send this film soaring past your typical rom-com and transform it into a surprisingly heartfelt story of first love, family ties, and letting go. (In Spanish with subtitles) —C.P.