Absent

Absent is a 2011 Spanish-language drama film directed by Argentine director Marco Berger. The film tackles the notion of sexual abuse of students, but director Marco Berger flips the dynamic. In this film, a young man wants to lure his teacher into a sexual relationship, rather than the other way round (i.e. where an older individual in a position of authority or trust becomes infatuated with a minor and lures the minor into a sexual relationship). Synopsis The story is told by Sebastián (Carlos Echevarría), the sports coach who becomes the object of a student's affection. Martín (Javier De Pietro) is a 16-year-old student who is attracted to his coach, Sebastián. Sebastián tries to keep Martín at a distance, but at the same time tries to be kind and nurturing. Martín goes to great lengths in his attempt to get close to his teacher. When Martín hurts his eye during his swimming class, Sebastián initially takes him to the hospital. After treatment, Sebastián offers Martín a ride home. However, Martín was supposed to spend the night at a friend's house, so no one is expecting him to come home that night. Martín spends the night at Sebastián's house. Things come to a head when Sebastián realizes that he was being lied to and punches Martín in the face. He is not angry from disgust for being the object of Martín's desire, rather because Martín's dishonesty could potentially cost the coach his job. Offended, Martín taunts Sebastián, telling him to call the police and suggesting it would cause greater problems for Sebastián. Later, Martín accidentally falls off a roof after retrieving a neighbor's soccer ball, and Sebastián finds himself filled with remorse. Style The director is vague on certain plot points. In the last images, for example, there is a shot of Sebastián gently kissing Martín on the lips. It is not clear whether this actually happened or only occurred in Sebastián's imagination. It is also unclear whether Martín accidentally fell to his death, or whether it was suicide, driven by Sebastián's rejection.