Gael García Bernal returns to the director's chair with his third feature film, "Lifeguard Overboard," where he also stars and co-writes the script. In this gripping narrative, García Bernal plays Camilo, a Cuban lifeguard whose world turns upside down after he rescues a Mexican businessman from the Caribbean Sea.
This Monday, the first trailer for the film was unveiled, confirming Ricky Martin's role in the cast—a surprising addition that has stirred much excitement.
The story kicks off when Camilo saves Abel, a drowning businessman who, in gratitude, takes him to Mexico and appoints him as his right-hand man. Abel introduces Camilo to his daughter Juana, whom Camilo marries and with whom he has a child. However, what seemed to be a stroke of luck turns into a nightmare: Camilo discovers that everything was part of a manipulation scheme, and he must untangle the web to regain control of his life.
Co-written with Argentine playwright Mariano Pensotti and filmed in both Mexico and Cuba, the film is described as an introspective drama infused with humor, surreal sequences, and dreamlike elements that delve into social deception and masks.
Martin portrays Roby, a man hired to play Camilo in a biopic directed by his own wife. Beyond acting, the Puerto Rican singer joins as an executive producer, marking his first full Spanish-speaking role in over two decades.
García Bernal shared with Deadline that Martin was always his first choice for the role, despite initially hesitating to approach him. "Ricky was one of those wonderful accidents. He was the first person I envisioned for this role, but it seemed such a far-fetched idea, almost impossible, so I kept it to myself for most of the development process," explained the director.
The singer's enthusiasm expanded his involvement in the project. "Ricky joined with immense generosity, fully embraced the film's spirit, understood the character's humor, and became one of the movie's greatest champions. His role as an executive producer naturally arose from that enthusiasm," García Bernal added.
Martin, too, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. "As an actor and executive producer, working alongside Gael García Bernal, one of the most talented actors, writers, and directors of his generation, is always an honor," he told Deadline. "I am here to give my best in a small role, but with Gael, everything reaches another level. I am incredibly proud to be part of 'Lifeguard Overboard' and this journey."
The cast features talent from across Latin America, including Manuel García-Rulfo, Débora Nascimento, Natalia Oreiro, Esmeralda Pimentel, Anna Díaz, Jerry Velázquez, and Jorge Salinas.
With "Lifeguard Overboard," García Bernal steps back into directing seven years after "Chicuarotes" (2019), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. His directorial debut was "Déficit" in 2007.
The movie will make its world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 7 in the Venice Spotlight section, out of competition. It will then move to the Toronto International Film Festival from September 10 to 20 in the Special Presentations section, with a scheduled release in Mexican theaters on September 24.
Frequently Asked Questions about "Lifeguard Overboard"
Who stars in "Lifeguard Overboard" alongside Gael García Bernal?
Ricky Martin stars alongside Gael García Bernal in "Lifeguard Overboard," marking his first full Spanish-speaking role in over two decades.
What is the plot of "Lifeguard Overboard"?
The film follows Camilo, a Cuban lifeguard who rescues a Mexican businessman. His life changes when he is taken to Mexico and becomes entangled in a scheme of manipulation.
When and where will "Lifeguard Overboard" premiere?
The world premiere is set for September 7 at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, followed by a showing at the Toronto International Film Festival from September 10 to 20.