Too Late to Die Young (film)

Too Late to Die Young is a 2018 Chilean drama film directed by Dominga Sotomayor Castillo. The film is a coming-of-age story set in an isolated community in the Andes Mountains during the summer of 1990, shortly after the end of Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship.

The narrative follows a group of teenagers as they navigate love, relationships, and the transition into adulthood amidst the backdrop of social and political change. Key characters include Sofía, a 16-year-old girl struggling with her identity and first love; Lucas, a young man returning to the community after a period away; and Clara, an older woman navigating her own personal challenges.

The film is known for its atmospheric cinematography, naturalistic performances, and slow, deliberate pacing. It explores themes of freedom, responsibility, isolation, and the anxieties of a generation coming of age in a rapidly changing world. The soundtrack also plays a significant role, featuring a blend of original scores and popular music from the era.

Too Late to Die Young premiered at the Locarno Film Festival in August 2018, where Sotomayor Castillo won the award for Best Director. It received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its visual style and nuanced exploration of character relationships, although some found its pacing challenging. The film has been screened at numerous international film festivals and has been recognized for its contribution to Chilean cinema.