It’s just a coffee table, you know? It’ll always be in the way, but it’s completely necessary in homes. Unfortunately, the coffee table at the center of this movie is far gone and out, complete with naked women holding up a shield of glass for its table. It’s ugly and gaudy. And, as explained by Maria (Estefanía de los Santos), “that glass and fake gold” is complete shit. But Jesús (David Pareja) wants that shit in their house.
Okay, so this couple - new with child - is not doing very well at the beginning of The Coffee Table. They are at each other’s throats and the tension is palpable. Getting this coffee table is going to do them in. It’s not just a decision, it’s a game-changer for their very existence.
Directed by Caye Casas and co-written with Cristina Borobia, Casas’ film is definitely down with the sickness. It is sharp with the comedy and absolutely delivers the horror as Jesús brings the coffee table home, gets it up the stairs, and then realizes he’s made a horrible decision . . . especially with a new baby in the house.
With a great deal of effort put into the tone, the cinematography of Alberto Morago, and the film’s pacing, Casas and his cast - which includes Josep Riera, Claudia Riera, Eduardo Antuña - have created the worst possible day ever for Jesús and Maria. The Coffee Table never lets up as the repercussions of letting this object possess Jesús come swift and, ultimately, they don’t stop either . . . even as he tries desperately to hide what has happened.
It’s punitive, wild, and unpleasantly funnier the longer the complications roll out, especially if you are into dark, dark comedies. I mean, nothing about the tragic situation is hilarious. But, my Goddess, the situations Jesús gets himself into here are maddening, especially when he doesn’t want to face the bleak, bleak facts about the situation with this “unbreakable” coffee table.
Produced by La Charito Films alongside Alhena Production and Apocalipsis Producciones, The Coffee Table is a gripping horror film that takes no prisoners. This includes the audience as it is damned unforgettable. This seems to be the key ingredient in the movie, too, because that’s sort of the point. This is a dark tragedy, but it builds its tension with tiny breaks where some of the bleakest of comedic moments come through.
The film held a robust festival life, including a World Premiere at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival where it won Best Film in the 'Rebels with a Cause' section, a North American premiere at Fantastic Fest, and additional screenings at Fantaspoa - International Fantastic Film Festival, Macabro - Festival Internacional de Cine de la Ciudad de México, and Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, where it received the White Raven award.
The Coffee Table will begin a limited theatrical run beginning in Los Angeles at Laemmle Glendale on April 19, with additional markets to follow including New York, Austin, and Chicago. The film will arrive on DVD and VOD on May 14.
MPAA Rating: 16+.
Runtime: 91 mins
Director: Caye Casas
Writer: Cristina Borobia; Caye Casas
Cast: David Pareja; Estefanía de los Santos; Josep Maria Riera
Genre: Comedy | Horror
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "Is this because of the table?"
Distributor: Cinephobia Releasing
Official Site:
Release Date: DVD and VOD on May 14, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Jesus and Maria are a couple going through a difficult time in their relationship. Nevertheless, they have just become parents. To shape their new life, they decide to buy a new coffee table. A decision that will change their existence.
