Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Steamy melodrama with nudity, violence, and language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Desire (2026)
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DESIRE (DESEO), Lucero (Ludwika Paleta) and her husband Fernando (José María Yazpik) have a comfortable life, but as they celebrate their anniversary of many years of marriage, they admit their union isn't perfect. When an attractive new swim coach, Matías (Oscar Casas), joins the family's club to coach teenagers, Lucero is immediately attracted, even though her daughter Viviana (Pilar Pascual) is on the team. Lucero embarks on a passionate affair with Matías that puts her entire family at risk. Meanwhile, her brother Miguel (Leonardo Ortizgris) is going through a messy divorce; she's representing him, but the proceedings feel like a warning.
Is It Any Good?
There are some intriguing elements to this script, but the film is ultimately undermined by heavy-handed directing, camera work, and music. The combination gives Desire the look and feel of a telenovela. Rather than letting scenes play out naturally, the filmmakers make choices that pluck the viewer out of the story. For example, in multiple scenes, the camera focuses tightly on face and body parts in a distracting way and music swoops in to let us know how we should feel. Some of the acting also feels unnecessarily theatrical. There's a worthwhile story here that could've played out as a more nuanced and sophisticated thriller. Instead, we have a middling melodrama. Fans of lead cast members and/or the genre may still find parts to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Desire would change if it were set somewhere other than Mexico. Is the location important to the story? Explain.
All of the main characters behave in questionable ways. Does this affect how you react to them—or to the film as a whole? Was there any character you identified with?
How was Lucero portrayed? Was she a positive character? Why or why not? Why is it important to see nuanced representations of women on screen?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 17, 2026
- Cast : Ludwika Paleta , Jose Maria Yazpik , Óscar Casas
- Director : Teresa Simone
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 16, 2026
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