‘Simon of the Mountain’ – A Provocative Exploration of Identity, Adolescence at 45 CIFF

Federico Luis’s debut feature, Simon of the Mountain, presents a deeply intimate, unconventional drama that challenges viewers’ perceptions of disability, adolescence, and identity.

Premiering at Cannes Critics’ Week and winning the Grand Prize, this low-budget Argentine film captivates with its raw storytelling and nuanced performances, though its ambiguous narrative may not appeal to all audiences.

The story follows 21-year-old Simon, portrayed by established Argentine actor Lorenzo Ferro, who integrates himself into a school for disabled youth without any clear explanation for his presence.

His enigmatic backstory unfolds through interactions with his peers, notably Pehuén, a fellow student with cognitive disabilities, and Lucy, who is romantically linked to Pehuén.

Simon’s immature demeanor and questionable judgment blur the lines between his reality and performance, leaving viewers to question whether he truly has a disability or is merely an observer in their world.

Luis uses Simon’s interactions to explore themes of adolescent sexuality and belonging, often in ways that provoke discomfort.

Scenes such as Simon’s voyeuristic curiosity in a locker room and his budding relationship with Colo, a rollerblading student with an assertive personality, highlight the complex dynamics of identity, attraction, and societal boundaries.

Colo’s bold advances toward Simon, coupled with her father’s oblivious presence, add layers of tension and humor.

Cinematographer Marcos Hastrup’s tight close-ups and confined framing heighten the film’s tension, drawing viewers into the characters' emotional landscapes.

The striking scene of Colo skating gracefully around pool tables, her bunny-ear hat flopping playfully, stands out as a moment of visual poetry amidst the film’s introspective tone.

Luis uses humor sparingly, with moments like Pehuén’s coaching of Simon for a disability card interview offering a reprieve from the film’s heavier themes.

While Simon of the Mountain sensitively portrays its characters, it is unapologetic in making audiences confront their discomfort.