Arrebato (1979)

José Sirgado, a disillusioned horror film director, receives an unexpected package from Pedro, the cousin of his ex-girlfriend, Marta. Inside, he discovers a film reel, an audio cassette, and the key to his old apartment, stirring memories and curiosity about Pedro's life.

José visits Pedro's family home with Marta to scout locations for a new film. During this visit, José shares a moment of getting high with Pedro, who introduces him to time-lapse photography techniques, igniting José's fascination with the art.

Impressed with Pedro's cinematic passion, José sends him an interval timer designed to aid in his filming efforts. This friendship, sparked by a shared love for cinema, deepens as they exchange knowledge and experiences.

José and Ana decide to return to Pedro's home to watch the films he made. During this visit, Pedro surprises Ana with a nostalgic Betty Boop doll, which evokes cherished childhood memories and strengthens the emotional bond between the characters.

After their visit, José and Ana listen to the audio cassette sent by Pedro, diving deeper into his life and creative process. The cassette reveals Pedro's experiences after receiving José's interval timer.

Pedro recounts a bizarre incident where he accidentally captures footage of himself while sleeping. A mysterious solitary red frame appears in the developed footage, sparking intrigue and leading to his obsession with filming.

As Pedro continues to film himself, he develops a dependency on the experience akin to a drug addiction. The rejuvenation he feels after each filming session becomes a captivating lure, akin to José's struggles with heroin.

Pedro decides to enlist Marta to observe him while he films himself sleeping. This collaboration leads to a chilling moment where the camera shifts focus to Marta, resulting in her mysterious disappearance, deepening the film's suspense.

Pedro approaches the conclusion of his film, with only one frame left prior to an ominous all-red sequence. He sends the entire project, including instructions and keys, to José, calling him to develop the final reel.

Upon reaching Pedro's apartment, José is shocked to find it desolate and eerily quiet. He develops the final film, which unveils a disturbing series of red frames and one essential shot capturing Pedro’s face.

To José's astonishment, the shot of Pedro’s face appears to animate, subtly encouraging José to delve into the same transcendent experience that Pedro has been chasing. This surreal moment adds an otherworldly layer to the narrative.

Ultimately, the film reaches its climax as José, overwhelmed with curiosity and a compulsion to feel the rapture described by Pedro, succumbs to the temptation. He retreats into Pedro's bed, illustrating the powerful, consuming nature of their shared obsession.