The horror film "The Coffee Table" is currently available to stream for free on Tubi, offering a story that escalates from a mundane domestic dispute to an extended psychological ordeal.
The movie begins as a domestic drama focusing on an unhappy couple, Jesus and Maria, who are struggling with resentment while shopping for furniture with their new baby. Jesus becomes fixated on a distinctive glass and metal coffee table. A disagreement over the table quickly devolves into a confrontation about Jesus's insecurities regarding his perceived lack of control in the relationship. His insistence on purchasing the table leads to severe, unforeseen consequences.
After bringing the table home, Jesus's wife leaves to buy groceries. While dealing with their crying infant and a missing screw for the table assembly, a horrific event occurs. The film then plunges into a dark trajectory, maintaining tension within the confines of the couple's apartment. IGN describes the experience as "stomach-ulcer-inducing," noting that the film is sharply written, brutally delivered, and genuinely ghastly, though they also caution potential viewers to consider gentler alternatives.
For those who continue past the spoiler warning, the film details the aftermath of the accidental death of the couple's son, which occurs at the coffee table. Jesus, in a state of shock, attempts to maintain normalcy by cleaning up the scene and placing the child's body in its crib. The tension mounts with the arrival of family members, a false accusation from a neighbor, a pregnancy announcement that elicits no joy from Jesus, and the discovery of the child's missing head by the family dog. The narrative offers no closure or sense of justice, leaving the audience with the weight of the senseless tragedy.
Despite its simple premise, "The Coffee Table" derives its horror from psychological discomfort and the accidental nature of the events rather than explicit gore. The 90-minute film is noted for its lasting impact on viewers.
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