Gael García Bernal returns to directing with Hombre al agua, his third feature film, in which he also acts and co-writes the script: he plays Camilo, a Cuban lifeguard whose life takes a radical turn after rescuing a Mexican businessman from the Caribbean Sea.
This Monday, the first trailer for the film was released, and with it, the addition of Ricky Martin to the cast was confirmed, one of the most talked-about surprises of the project.
The story begins when Camilo saves Abel, a businessman, from drowning. In gratitude, Abel takes him to Mexico and makes him his right-hand man. Abel introduces him to his daughter Juana, whom Camilo marries, and together they have a daughter. However, the life that seemed like a stroke of luck turns out to be a trap: Camilo discovers that everything was part of a plan for manipulation and control, and he must unravel the plot to take back the reins of his destiny.
The film, co-written with Argentine playwright Mariano Pensotti and filmed in Mexico and Cuba, is described as an introspective drama with elements of humor and surreal, dreamlike sequences that explore manipulation and the falseness of social masks.
Martin plays Roby, a man hired to portray Camilo in a biographical film directed by his own wife. In addition to acting, the Puerto Rican singer also joins as the executive producer of the project, and this role marks his first full performance in Spanish in over twenty years.
García Bernal revealed to Deadline that Martin was always on his mind for the character, although he took a while to dare to propose it to him. "Ricky was one of those wonderful accidents. He was the first person I imagined for the role, but it seemed such a crazy idea, almost impossible, that I kept his name to myself for most of the development process," the director explained.
The singer's enthusiasm ultimately expanded his role within the project. "Ricky joined with immense generosity, completely identified with the spirit of the film, understood the character's humor, and became one of the biggest driving forces behind the movie. His involvement as an executive producer arose very naturally from that enthusiasm," added García Bernal.
For his part, Martin did not hide his excitement at the opportunity. "As an actor and executive producer, having the chance to work alongside Gael García Bernal, one of the most talented actors, writers, and directors of his generation, is always an honor," he also stated to Deadline. "I am here to give my best in a small role, but with Gael, everything reaches another level. I feel incredibly proud to be part of Hombre al agua and this journey."
The cast brings together figures from various Latin American countries: Manuel García-Rulfo, Débora Nascimento, Natalia Oreiro, Esmeralda Pimentel, Anna Díaz, Jerry Velázquez, and Jorge Salinas complete the ensemble.
With Hombre al agua, García Bernal returns to directing seven years after Chicuarotes (2019), which was presented at the Cannes Film Festival. His debut behind the camera was Déficit in 2007.
The film will have its world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, scheduled for September 7 in the Venice Spotlight section, out of competition. It will then move on to the Toronto International Film Festival, from September 10 to 20, in the Special Presentations section. Its release in Mexican cinemas is set for September 24.
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