L'amante dell'astronauta

I just finished The Astronaut Lovers (Los Amantes Astronautas), and honestly, I really enjoyed it. It's a beautifully shot, slow-burn romance that plays with themes of friendship, identity, and the blurred lines between platonic and romantic feelings.

The story follows Pedro, who comes back to Argentina for a vacation and reconnects with his childhood friend, Maxi. What starts as a lighthearted, almost teasing dynamic between them slowly unravels into something deeper. The film doesn't rush anything-it lingers in quiet moments, loaded glances, and the kind of tension that makes you hold your breath.

Lautaro Bettoni and Javier Orán have fantastic chemistry. Their performances feel natural, making every interaction between them feel authentic, even when their characters are caught up in confusion and miscommunication. There's humor woven into the dialogue, but it never undercuts the emotional weight of their connection-it actually makes it feel more real.

Visually, the film is stunning. The coastal setting is the perfect backdrop, creating this sense of openness and freedom, but also a quiet loneliness that reflects what's happening between Pedro and Maxi. Marco Berger's direction is subtle, letting the emotions simmer rather than forcing them, which I really appreciated.

I love how the film explores attraction and desire without needing grand gestures or over-the-top drama. It's intimate, honest, and beautifully restrained in a way that lingers with you. If you're into queer cinema with a strong emotional core and a thoughtful take on love and self-discovery, The Astronaut Lovers is definitely worth watching.

Argentine Writer/Director Marco Berger once again repeats the same formula used in his previous productions such as 'Plan B' (2009) and 'Hawaii' (2013): two young men, both sexually fluid, who were childhood friends and eventually develop a deep love for one another. Nonetheless, it works!

This film touches on one of the ultimate gay fantasies, where true, honest, and eternal love may exist between any two men. The dialog and intimate visual imagery, without a single sex scene, are superb and hit the mark by creating anticipation throughout the narrative and that 'feel good' sensation in the end.

I can totally get the slow pace of the film. The ambient and atmosphere work together to make you feel comfortable with that. The actors are great. Chemistry? On point. The premise of the story? Cool. The development of it... Not so much. There's actually no substance. It's short of profund and in-depth dialogue between the main characters. They fool around all the time and never get to the point. That's ok if it means the story is going nowhere also. But all of a sudden you get advances that cannot for the life of me point what has been worked to achieve them. There's an abuse of cuts on the cinematic. That serve no purpose besides confusing the audience. Not really a compelling story. Too bad. It could have been great.

How beautifully a summer can be spent with best friends who are totally attracted to each other. Nuances of being Gay are well portrayed in this film. Their jokes, subtle jealously, laughs and negotiating their relationship with each other all through was very well played by Javier Orán and Lautaro Bettoni. They have become my hot favourites, its like I know them up close and personal. Some of the moments in the film are so pure and basic elements of being in love are shown. Marco Berger has done a fantastic job of bringing out these actors who are so free in those scenes and have long conversations without cuts just felt so beautiful, natural and it was like watching their own personal videos. Aww..I already miss them...Lots of love.

A love story, tantalizing and magnetic to attract the lead characters closer to the inevitability of their desires and affections for one another. Marco Burger is a master of this genre of creating and bringing emotional tension to a climax. A tender romance that does not disappoint. The actors are brilliant in their chemistry and uncontrived. There are moments when their interactions step off the stage and seem convincingly real. A real life, with real people and real consequences. And sweet resolution, resolved by gentle emotions and romance, supreme and rare. This film is memorable, leaving you fulfilled but still wanting more. Perfectly balanced, sensual and satisfying cinema.