Boy Undone (Memorias de lo que no fue) is a 2017 Mexican psychological drama-thriller directed by Leopoldo Laborde. The film explores themes of trauma, memory loss, sexuality, love, and identity, blending romance with suspense and psychological horror. A visually intimate and emotionally gripping experience, Boy Undone is an unconventional narrative that challenges the audience to navigate its mystery alongside the protagonist.
With its atmospheric tension, dreamlike sequences, and nonlinear storytelling, Boy Undone stands out as a haunting yet deeply personal film that lingers in the viewerβs mind long after the credits roll.
The film opens with a young man, Alejandro (Eduardo Longoria), waking up in an unfamiliar apartment with no recollection of how he got there. He is disoriented and terrified, suffering from an apparent case of amnesia. He soon meets Miguel (Paul Act), the apartmentβs occupant, who takes care of him and offers reassurance. Miguel explains that he found Alejandro in distress the night before and brought him home for safety.
As Alejandro attempts to recall his past, he and Miguel develop a strong connection. What begins as a cautious friendship evolves into an intense romance. Miguel provides comfort and security, and Alejandro, despite his initial hesitations, finds himself drawn to him both physically and emotionally.
However, as flashes of memory return, Alejandro begins to piece together fragments of his past. These recollections hint at a nightmarish eventβsomething violent, traumatic, and possibly fatal. As Alejandro struggles with the blurred line between reality and paranoia, he becomes increasingly desperate to uncover the truth about what happened to him.
The more he remembers, the more sinister the truth becomes. His memories suggest a brutal crime, but the circumstances remain unclear. Was Alejandro a victim? Was he a witness? Or is there something even more terrifying lurking in his subconscious? As tension escalates, Boy Undone reaches a dark and ambiguous climax, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of Alejandroβs past and the consequences of his actions.
Boy Undone was well-received in LGBTQ+ film circles for its bold storytelling, emotional depth, and genre-bending approach. Many praised its depiction of same-sex love as both passionate and complex, as well as its willingness to tackle darker themes.
However, the filmβs ambiguous nature divided audiences. Some appreciated its refusal to provide easy answers, while others found its nonlinear narrative and surreal elements frustrating. Regardless, Boy Undone left a strong impression, proving that queer cinema can successfully merge romance with psychological horror and suspense.
Boy Undone is an unforgettable film that challenges viewers with its nonlinear storytelling, intense emotions, and psychological depth. It is not just a love story or a mysteryβit is an exploration of the fragile nature of identity and the haunting effects of trauma.
