Under My Nails

Solimar is an attractive Puerto Rican in her 30s who came to New York after losing her parents as a child. Now she leads a lonely life devoid of emotion. A nail tech in a Hispanic salon by day, by night Solimar seeks companionship with good-natured Amalia, who is caring for his dying partner. Solimar's world is colorless and muted; the Bronx snowdrifts pose a stark contrast to the tropics of her childhood. She is haunted by flashbacks to the terrifying moment when her abusive father abandoned her and walked into the sea. Alone in her apartment, Solimar becomes obsessed with listening in on her neighbors Roberto and Perpetue, a young Dominican couple who have loud fights and even louder sex. One night there's a violent thump and all is still. Though increasingly convinced Roberto killed his wife, Solimar is fanatically attracted to him, and they begin a savage relationship she can't escape. UNDER MY NAILS features a haunting performance by screenwriter-producer Kisha Tikina Burgos. (In English and Spanish with subtitles) –B.B.