Los amantes astronautas

Having watched all of Berger's movies I was surprised that this time around he decided to actually show what one of the character's fantasies and more importantly to let them communicate like humans.

Javier Oran is one of the best actors Berger has found not just for this movie, he obviously elevates Bettoni's performance and brings nuances to Berger's dialogues with which most actors usually struggle.

Getting these actors and obviously more financing probably forced Berger to create one of his most sanitized films to-date. For someone unafraid of full frontals, his decision of not even showing the consumation of the will-they-wont-they dynamic seems extremely out of character. It reminded me of Guadagino's decision to move the camera away instead of showing us what we would definitely see if the scene were between a straight couple.

I have complained in the past of the monotony in most of Berger's movies. However, this time I missed having some of his signature style: silence and close-ups, letting us imagine just for a little while what the characters were thinking of..I would have appreciated it at least once.

I also want to recognize that we have better actors in supporting roles, especially Pedro's cousin and his girlfriend (not Sabrina, sadly) and that Berger allowed them to state the obvious: that our two main characters spend so much time together. It's at least a cute wink given that Maxi is friends with everyone else in that house and they are constantly together only because the script needs them to.

Even if Pedro and Maxi's private exchanges become a little tiresome towards the end (and gross), I choose to stick with the better parts of the movie: the main actors and my renewed interest in this filmmaker's work. Hopefully he'll be able to create in the future something that happens in just one night (or in the span of several weeks) making more plausible the constant exchange between males that he loves to portray.

There are some frustrations that this film goes nowhere, or too slow. But if you're familiar Berger's filmography, this is what his trademark is. It's subtle, quiet, grounded and conversation-heavy. But i think that's what makes his films special. It's the opposite of the stereotypical grandiose hollywood films.

And it's the same with The Astronaut Lovers. The whole film just the 2 leads talking, playing the game of chicken. It's cute, romantic and heartwarming. Bettoni and Orán did a very good job as the leads, the soundtrack is amazing and lots of beautiful shot. But i love the most is the writing, it's honest, sincere and compassionate. The characters are well developed and genuine which makes the whole story flows naturally. The writing is everything but shallow.

10/10 Berger's best film. I LOVE the easter eggs of Berger's past films.

Pedro travels from Spain to Argentina for a beach vacation at his extended family's home. Present are his cousin and a small, similarly aged group - including a childhood friend, Maxi, who has just broken up with his girlfriend. Pedro and Maxi's playfully flirty sexual banter is fun, highly entertaining for all, and takes on a life of its own over the course of the vacation.

The movie revolves around the fascinating rapport and connection that builds between Pedro and Maxi, they continually straddle the space between bro-banter and flirtation that leaves everyone, including the viewer, wondering just how far they are going to go...

After a decade of great films exploring male sexuality, Marco Berger (Plan B, The Blonde One) is back with his best and most accomplished film to date.

This time around he delivers an inspired romantic comedy packed with funny moments and excellent performances from the leads (Lautaro Bettoni and Javier Orán) as two childhood friends reunited as adults.

There is a lot to like about this film.

The long shots and conflict-free script create the perfect intimacy set for their friendship to flourish into something more. I also enjoyed the soundtrack (which elevates some of the key scenes) and the strong supporting cast.

One of the best gay films in recent memory. Highly recommended.

I'm familiar with Berger's works so I have no issues with the slow pace of the film.

Beautifully shot but I would not venture to call this film a "romantic film". Now, I'm willing to say some things may have gotten lost in translation (English) but romance, this is not. Why? Well, the dialogue is heavy on sexual innuendo and tension. That yells infatuation or simply a sexual fling. I was waiting for both characters to get into heavy dialogue (even for 5 minutes) instead of the incessant jocular jock/frat dialogue (considering the ending which has me a little confused).

The chemistry between both lead actors is incredible. Their interaction felt very natural which is a massive plus for the film. The sexual tension was also palpable. But there was something else missing (and the subtitles were far too quick for me). I'm just so conflicted about this film: what are the lessons? What's the objective? Is this simply a summer fling or long term? What's the attraction - beyond the physical - of these two characters? What bonds them? I'm guessing acting like teenagers?