The Empty Hours

When Uncle Gerry becomes ill, he puts his 17-year-old nephew Sebastian in charge of the seedy motel he runs. It's certainly not the classiest joint – customers rent by the hour, and curtains are pulled over the garages so no one can see their cars from the street. With his uncle away in the city for treatment, Sebastian is left alone to take care of the daily operations. It's a boring existence that is void of any real interactions since the customers are usually in a hurry. He's also forced to clean up after them, as the motel still doesn't have a competent maid. Miranda, a real estate agent, comes to the motel frequently to hook up with her married boyfriend, who's often late or doesn't show. The loneliness between them leads Miranda and Sebastian to small talk, forming a friendship that teeters on the brink of sex. She's drawn to his innocence, while his hormones are enamored by the guidance of an older, more experienced woman. But, as THE EMPTY HOURS skillfully demonstrates, sex isn't everything. (In Spanish with subtitles) —E.F.