Movies

‘The Coffee Table’ ‘(‘La mesita del comedor’) review: Uncomfortable tale stays with you

For better and worse.

April 20, 2024

It is always a little worrisome when a movie centers its marketing around how shocking it is. The inevitable question becomes is there more to it than shock value? Even worse, what if it does not live up to its advance billing? The Coffee Table is about a couple who are going through a rough patch. Even the birth of their new son cannot stop Jesus (David Pareja) and Maria (Estefania de los Santos) from taking shots at each other. This includes a seemingly innocent trip to the furniture store, where the two go back and forth over the titular item. This moment leads to a decision that will affect the lives of everyone around them.

Director Caye Casas (who is also a co-writer) has stated the goal was to make a “cruel” film that dealt with real emotions instead of monsters. On this level, The Coffee Table is a success. The entire premise centers around an unbelievably horrific moment that will leave audiences dumbfounded. It is violent and ugly and anyone watching will immediately be drawn into the story.

It is clear what has happened, but there are questions surrounding the incident. Was it intentional? What is the extent of the damage? Now what? Everything is answered over the course of The Coffee Table and it is in these moments that the movie truly shines. As disgusting as the inciting moment is, the plot is more about the relationship between Jesus and Maria.

The opening scene gives an idea of how much tension the two have between them. It seems like they may actually hate each other. There is never an all out explosion, but the pair have also gone far beyond passive aggression. They openly mock each other, take enjoyment when things do not go as planned, and just say mean things. It can be very awkward to watch.

The Coffee Table presents well rounded characters, however. Pareja gives a powerful performance as Jesus. The role easily could have been played over the top, but it is very grounded and dependent on expressions and faraway glances. For her part, de los Santos goes between moments of outright scorn and tender care. There may be a lot of vitriol, but it is clear the pair are in love.

'The Coffee Table' '('La mesita del comedor') review: Uncomfortable tale stays with you

Interspersed with the heavy emotion are genuinely funny moments. It is hard to mine laughs when things get as serious as The Coffee Table, but the Spanish import is able to do so. The highlight may be a teenaged neighbor with a crush, but there are a number of laugh out loud moments. Much of it is very dark and is not “ha-ha” funny and more about the situation.

The Coffee Table is a gruesome and uncomfortable movie. It does not hang its hat on gross out moments, though. Much of its horror is centered around feelings. (Though there is blood. Lots and lots of blood.) It is an wrenching and captivating watch.