Released in 2017, TOC TOC is considered one of the notable examples of Spanish cinema in the comedy genre. The movie revolves around an unexpected encounter among a group of individuals diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in a psychiatrist’s waiting room, and the relationships that develop during this encounter. TOC TOC combines character-driven humor with a psychologically grounded narrative, drawing attention both in academic circles for its representation of mental health and among general audiences for its structural coherence.

Plot

The film begins when six individuals, each with a different type of obsessive-compulsive disorder, realize that they have all been scheduled for an appointment at a psychiatric clinic at the same time. However, the doctor's delay forces them to spend time together, albeit unwillingly. This waiting period becomes a catalyst for the characters to externalize their internal struggles, allowing dynamics of group formation, conflict, and solidarity to emerge. By portraying the characters’ behavioral symptoms in a humorous manner, the film aims to both entertain and provoke thought in the audience.

Cast

In the film, each character is structured to represent a different facet of OCD. The characters and the actors portraying them are as follows:

• Ana Maria (Rossy de Palma): Ana Maria suffers from religious obsessions, feeling a constant need to pray and repeat religious rituals. The character is notable for how religious motifs are transformed into behavioral expressions. She also experiences compulsions to repeatedly check household items (like the faucet, lock, stove, etc.) before leaving the house.
• Emilio (Paco León): Emilio has a counting compulsion and cannot function without establishing numerical order. His need for sequencing, repetition, and ritualistic behavior significantly impacts his functionality and causes conflicts in social interactions.
• Otto (Adrián Lastra): Otto exhibits obsessions with symmetry and order, demonstrated through behaviors like stepping only in specific patterns or touching surfaces at precise angles. This has become a way of life for him, rooted in a deep-seated need to feel safe.
• Lili (Nuria Herrero): This character displays symptoms of palilalia—compulsive repetition of her own speech. This involuntary repetition complicates her verbal communication and often leads to misunderstandings in social settings.
• Blanca (Alexandra Jiménez): She has an intense obsession with hygiene. Her overwhelming fear of contamination causes her to avoid physical contact. Depending on her age, the symptoms appear to have become more persistent.
• Federico (Oscar Martínez): Revealed at the end of the film, Federico offers the audience an unexpected perspective. The link between his professional identity and personal traits serves as the key to the film's structural resolution.

Direction and Cinematography

Under the direction of Vicente Villanueva, the film maintains a dynamic narrative despite taking place almost entirely in a single location. The spatial limitation is a deliberate choice to intensify character interactions. Camera usage is strategically designed to underscore the infringement of the characters' personal space and highlight their psychological entrapment. In scenes dominated by group dialogue, the decision to keep all characters within the frame without shifting the visual focus creates a theatrical atmosphere. Throughout the film, the use of natural lighting and minimalist decor enhances the visibility of the characters’ inner worlds.

Themes and Criticism

At its core, TOC TOC uses humor to question how individuals with psychological disorders are perceived in society. The film approaches mental health conditions not merely as “problems,” but as aspects of human diversity. Themes such as group solidarity, empathy, respect for differences, and collective healing are explored in parallel with the progression of events.

However, some critics have argued that the film presents its characters through overly stereotypical behaviors, bordering on caricature, which may detract from realistic representation. Despite this, the film has generally been well received for its non-stigmatizing approach to psychological disorders.

Commercial Success and Awards

Upon its release in Spain, the film attracted significant audience interest and performed well at the box office. Beyond the local market, it also reached international audiences through digital platforms, garnering particular attention in Latin America. While specific box office figures are not extensively documented, TOC TOC was among the most-watched domestic films in Spain in 2017.

In terms of accolades, although the film did not receive major international festival awards, it was nominated in various local Spanish award ceremonies, particularly in the comedy category. Critics highlighted the successful adaptation from stage play to screen and praised the ensemble cast for their cohesive performances.