I would like to discuss the motif of water in “Thursday’s Widows.” As we discussed today, the opening scene is surprisingly relaxing and calm despite the fact that we are watching dead bodies floating in the water. This tranquility associated with the water suggests to me that water in this story acts as a refuge from the chaos in the characters’ worlds, it is almost like a utopia. Tano even alludes to this, he asks “what would happen if we lived underwater?” (I have a screenshot of this but I am not sure it is copyright-free to post), additionally acting as an element of foreshadowing of his death. For Tano, Gustavo, and Martín, the economic and personal stressors in their life become too much to bear and the three of them fantasize about death as an escape from it all. I think that this is reflective of capitalist societies and the idea that there is no peace in capitalism, and so the men resort to finding peace and freedom in the water because the economic stress becomes overwhelming.
Thursday for Widows is definitely a complex piece of detective fiction, with multiple crimes and criminals. The important message to take away from it is that when death becomes glorified over living in a broken economic system, there is a problem, and there are many victims. It is interesting because while three characters are dead, I would hesitate to say they are the true and only victims in this story. These characters caused just as much damage as they endured, they represent the ways that capitalism causes pervasive damage by creating an unlivable world. Claudia Piñero creates a story that unveils the intricate ways that the economic collapse in Argentina caused widespread tragedies with multiple victims. In the scene in which Tano attempts to convince his friends to end their lives, there is an overpowering sense of defeat; as if they have lost this game of survival. They are resigned to their fate, not even Ronnie attempting to change their perspective works. This attitude is what makes me consider that the water is a symbol of freedom and escape, the ultimate end to a hopeless system.
Hi Anna, I really like your assessment of the water as a place of freedom. I think this analysis could be further exemplified in Juan’s connection to water and swimming as well. How he is freed in the water as well. He stays under the water as long as he can, and it offers him some freedom from the pressure he feels from his family and certain expectations on his actions. This motif of water is clearly significant, and what you identify as freedom and escape seems to be showcased in Juan’s relationship to swimming. Possibly even further exemplified by Juan becoming nude at the pool, truly exposing the water and pool as a place of expression or freedom.
Great reflections on water as a motif in the film, Anna. Your post (and Julia’s response) made me recall various moments when water arises in a meaningful way, such as when Mavi asks if Gustavo and Carla have children, and, when Gustavo answers that they do not, she responds “well you’ll have no problem getting pregnant; it must be something in the water.” I’m left wondering about the ambivalent nature of this symbol… the way that it is life-giving and death-granting, that it symbolizes waste and inequality (pools and golf courses are truly terrible uses of water!) but also freedom and escape, as you note here… En fin, thanks for this thought-provoking post!