An Unexpected Love – a movie review by Roz Tarszisz
It seems that folks in Argentina have a fairly relaxed outlook on life. It certainly appears so in this charming romantic comedy from director/writer Juan Vera.
When Marcos (Ricardo Darín, Truman) and his wife Ana (Mercedes Morán, Neruda) farewell their son Luciano (Andres Gil) as he sets off to study overseas, Ana is particularly sad. She has sent her boy away and feels unsettled by the empty nest. After twenty years of marriage, Marcos and Ana have a good relationship but somehow the absence of their only child highlights a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives.
Without too much soul searching but with honesty and harmony, the two decide to separate and Marcos moves out. Ana takes to her new status with gusto and is soon meeting other people. He’s a bit lost at first and it takes time before he is comfortable in the new arrangement.
The action takes place over three years as we are privy to a series of ongoing conversations and encounters they have with their friends, family and prospective partners.
There are quite a few laugh out loud scenes such as when Marcos has a first date with a woman who is after sexual adventure, but which ends up with her in an ambulance. Ana is seduced by a younger man and her jaunty walk home the next morning says she has had a good time. I like that, in this sophisticated comedy, it is not a “walk of shame”.
This is a film for grownups about grownups – who don’t always behave well. The women are feisty and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Ana’s friend Lili (Claudia Fontán) is married to Marcos’ friend Edi (Luis Rubio Celia) with the other couple’s relationship acting as a counterpoint to the main protagonists.
It is a pleasure to view a film which does not spell everything out. Subtle is good in this examination of love and desire.
4/5 Released July 4 125mins Rated M Sub-titled
Starring Ricardo Darín, Mercedes Morán
Directed by Juan Vera
Written by Juan Vera, Daniel Cúparo
