Carolina Perelman's Confesiones Chin Chin had its world premiere at the just wrapped up 2025 Slamdance LA Film festival, an ideal indie location for this engaging queer culture character study set in Madrid that carries a unique, immersive vibe and a commitment to truth-telling and secret sharing. 

I will confess it took me a few minutes to sink into the rhythm of Confesiones Chin Chin, a bit noteworthy given the film clocks in at a quick and  breezy 71-minute running time. Perelman directs from a script she co-write with Samuel Rotter. It centers around actors Lolo (Fernando Bodega) and Vicente (Enrique Gimeno), who hang out at a bar called Cazador and meet up with friends Sofia (Angela Aguilar) and Roberto (Nacho Scorza). 

While this may sound like it's headed down the usual bar-centric indie drama road, Perelman has crafted an intriguing story weaving together elements of reality and fiction in exploring the blurred lines between truth and the masks that we often wear in our day-to-day lives. With very little in the way of histrionics, Perelman plumbs the depths of human emotions and this entire ensemble practically bathes us in their vulnerability. 

I would dare say that Confesiones Chin Chin is a drama, though it's not devoid of humor and as we watch these characters unfold we surrender ourselves to connection and the freedom that can come with living honest lives. There's a strong sense here that being oneself is simply good enough, a fact that most of us don't hear often enough and a fact that far too often we don't lean into. 

Fernando Bodega impresses mightily as Lolo, possessing a sensuality and a vulnerability that compels you toward him whatever you go. The film has a jazz core that both drives its rhythms and serves as a foundation for its narrative. It manages to feel both retro yet incredibly contemporary. Original music by Pedro Fraguela impresses throughout. Even as I'm writing this review, I'm finding I remember the film's music as much as its dialogue. 

There's a richness in the humanity of Confesiones Chin Chin, a refreshing naturalness to these characters as they segue between heart and humor, emotional and physical intimacy. This film may sound like it will be familiar, however, it's beautifully unique in the ways in which these characters relate to themselves and to each other. 

While I found myself most enchanted by Bodega, it's necessary to note that it's quite a joy watching how this ensemble relates to one another throughout the film. In a recent interview with Cinemacy, Perelman noted that "Chin Chin is like breathing out when you get something off your chest." There's a refreshing sense of exhaling that rises to the surface as Confesiones Chin Chin begins to wind down and we begin to realize the fullness of how we've experienced these characters. As the film is only beginning its festival journey, I dare not share anymore of its narrative other than to acknowledge and appreciate Perelman's vision and ambition for the film and these authentic characters  with all their warts and wonders. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic