The Coffee Table (2022) - Blu-ray Evaluation

      The Coffee Table, 2022.

      Directed by Caye Casas.

      Featuring David Pareja, Estefanía de los Santos, Josep Maria Riera, Claudia Riera, and Itziar Castro.

      SYNOPSIS:

      The choice to purchase a new coffee table marks the start of a disastrous day for a Spanish couple who have just welcomed a baby into their lives.

      If there is a film that embodies the butterfly effect theory, it is undoubtedly Caye Casas' The Coffee Table. This film illustrates how a seemingly minor choice can lead to significant events down the line, as new parents Jesús (David Pareja) and Maria (Estefanía de los Santos) visit a store to find a coffee table for their apartment. The fiery Maria disapproves of her husband’s selection – an ostentatious piece adorned with two gold-painted nude women supporting the glass top – yet the salesman is convincing, and Jesús appreciates the chance to make this one choice himself since Maria had picked out the rest of the home decor.

      All seems fine until Maria heads out for some shopping in anticipation of a visit from Jesús’ brother Carlos (Josep Maria Riera) and his new girlfriend Cristina (Claudia Riera), leaving Jesús to watch their baby while he waits for the salesman to deliver a missing screw for the table – what could go wrong?

      Well, quite a bit actually, but I won’t reveal more as it would spoil the experience. The Coffee Table reveals its shocking moments early, placing viewers in a state of anxiety alongside Jesús, who clearly regrets not siding with Maria, a recurring theme that subtly underpins the film; not in a sexist manner, but highlighting the tendency of new parents to be overly cautious or to dominate conversations, preventing each other from expressing their thoughts while slowly unraveling the horrific narrative that compels us to question what lies beyond what is depicted on screen.

      The lead actors are exceptional in their roles, with David Pareja effectively portraying the feelings of inadequacy that new fathers often experience when left alone with a baby, a sentiment that becomes even more pronounced when Carlos arrives and sees that Jesús has used his old Star Wars and He-Man toys to decorate the baby's room. Maria is portrayed as a strong character, and Estefanía de los Santos excels as the passionate wife who just wants her husband to take charge (as long as it aligns with her vision). Initially somewhat unlikable, Maria ultimately earns our sympathy, as do all the characters, after a tense buildup during which, if the story were part of a soap opera or an episode of Inside No. 9, viewers would be urging Jesús to act correctly.

      This soap opera comparison is fitting because, while The Coffee Table maintains a steady tension throughout, it might have been more impactful as a short film or segment in an anthology, an area where director Caye Casas has prior experience. With the film revealing its key twists early on, the writing must sustain the tension and retain viewer interest for the remaining 80 minutes, which it manages to do, although it risks losing momentum once Carlos and Cristina show up, with scenes featuring them feeling stretched, such as an extended dinner sequence involving Jesús having visions that lack the intended effect due to the slower pace.

      Nevertheless, The Coffee Table remains focused, and once the full extent of what has transpired is unveiled to all characters – along with a visitor to the apartment in a darkly humorous subplot that emphasizes Jesús' doomed nature – it concludes in the only feasible way, releasing the built-up tension, albeit not in a notably pleasant manner, yet it satisfies the audience's curiosity about the outcome.

      Accompanied by interviews with the cast and crew, two short films by Caye Casas, and an audio commentary by Zoë Rose Smith and Amber T, the limited edition Blu-ray also contains a 120-page book with contributions from various academics and critics, six art cards, and a rigid slipcase. Once again, Second Sight demonstrates their expertise in packaging such a darkly comedic yet bleak film, providing the movie itself along with numerous additional insights and perspectives for viewers to explore and analyze, a very fitting word given the context.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward