Growing up as a teenager in the mid-nineties, I was introduced to a variety of erotic thrillers through Cinemax. I am well-acquainted with this genre and still enjoy watching it today. When Netflix’s “Desire came to my attention, I was immediately intrigued. Although my review copy was entirely in Spanish, my teenage years spent binge-watching telenovelas came in handy.
There is a specific kind of danger that thrives within seemingly perfect lives. One concept that has always resonated with me from the 2007 film “Why Did I Get Married?” is the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. If you are unfamiliar with it, the rule suggests that you can reasonably expect a partner to meet about 80% of your needs and relationship ideals. The remaining 20% is your responsibility to fulfill on your own.
Directed by Teresa Simone, *Desire* serves as a fascinating case study of what happens when someone decides to jeopardize everything in pursuit of the missing 20%. Lucero, portrayed with remarkable emotional honesty by Ludwika Paleta, is a successful lawyer who seems to have a solid 80% with her steady, quiet husband, Fernando (José María Yazpik). However, she becomes entangled in a reckless affair with her daughter’s aggressively charismatic swimming coach, Matías (Óscar Casas). What begins as a lingering glance across the water quickly spirals into a torrential and destructive obsession.
While erotic thrillers typically rely on pure steam, Simone aims for something deeper, intelligently exploring the psychological weight of domestic secrets. Visually, the film is stunning. The crisp cinematography leans heavily into cool blues and sterile whites, transforming Lucero’s sprawling home into a beautiful prison.
Sharp editing creates a suffocating rhythm that underscores the terrifying thrill of surrendering to an impulse she cannot afford. Unfortunately, the execution ultimately falters. The first hour operates as an intoxicating slow burn, masterfully building tension.
However, within the brisk ninety-minute runtime, the final act suddenly shifts into high gear, rushing toward a tragic fallout that feels unearned. The script eventually trades genuine suspense for cheap soap opera antics, sidelining supporting actors like Pilar Pascual.
Nonetheless, “Desire” remains a sharp exploration of boundaries for fans of the genre.
Final Grade: B-
“Desire” premieres on Netflix today.
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