Movieo
Poster for The Empty Hours

The Empty Hours

2013 · 1h 40m Drama, Romance
Directed by Aarón Fernández

Seen it?

Overview

Stuck managing his uncle's deserted motel on Veracruz's lonely coast, 17-year-old Sebastian finds solace in unexpected company. Miranda, a beautiful yet seemingly forlorn guest, whiles away the hours waiting for her perpetually late lover. As conversations between them blossom into a connection neither anticipated, a forbidden spark ignites. Will they succumb to the fiery temptation of a fleeting passion, or will they cage their desires for a life dictated by circumstance?

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
83%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Fernandez is astute in the way he fills the empty hours on screen. He sets a slow steady rhythm and embraces lingering shots and long silences to catch the way the days are lazy about unfolding, especially for Sebastian.

Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

This second feature by the Mexican director Aaron Fernandez is a delight.

Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Rotten

Eventually you begin to wonder what these series of standstill moments represent.

Tomas Hachard, NPR
Fresh

A studied, coming-of-age narrative that makes a familiar tale sing.

Zachary Wigon, Village Voice

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films