O Terceiro

First off - this is NOT a semi-pornographic gay flick with shallow artificially blown up characters. Instead, it's a straight forward, semi-documentary enactment of a student hoking up with a gay couple for a threesome. There is a very long sex scene for its brief runtime, but it doesn't reveal much. You will have to wait for it for 40 minutes of a very extended conversation scene which serves to break the ice. There is not much of a plot otherwise.

So what makes this not as instantly forgettable as countless other gay dating flicks? For one – the characters look and act real. They are attractive but not overly so. They are in shape but have no six packs. Secondly, they are neither angels nor assholes. There is a little bit of drama and insecurity on behalf of the student, but he is not portrayed as a lost soul looking for sex to define his personality. The couple reveal that their relationship has lost a bit of zing after eight years, but they are committed to each other. And third, the three treat each other with interest and respect. All too often a threesome is portrayed as proof of moral duplicity or something seedy. But it is, as sex dates in general, often just another way to get to know people.

So what makes this film quite nice to me is that there is no judgment or exploitation here, just a realistic description of this kind of situation. Of course, if you want something more racy or dramatic, this is not the right film for you.

This is literally like watching an extended video documentary about an online hookup, from start to finish; there is no "story" or "drama" outside the personal revelations made during a lengthy conversation around the dinner-table. At the end, I was left wondering if they'd actually hook up again (in real life this usually doesn't end up happening in this type of situation) and if so, would a repeat be as successful? Might they even go on to become a happy triad?

In my experience it's very easy for a 3-way to go off-kilter as 2 of the 3 become totally absorbed in just each other, leaving the 3rd hanging. This was very carefully choreographed to avoid any suggestion of that happening; and was very much shown as considerate and intense "love-making", not just raunchy sex.

This is a nice movie which sheds light on the life of a gay couple. I personally find the 20-minute dialogue between the three actors the highlight of the movie. It's taken in two long shots, 10 minutes per shot. The conversation really provides a glimpse into the life of a gay couple. I particularly like how the conversation is so natural and spontaneous that it is like being taken from a genuine conversation. In terms of dialogue, I think it's just as good as "Weekend" (2011), which has been praised for its natural and genuine dialogue between the two male leads.

The nervousness displayed by the male lead Fede is also praiseworthy. His visible nervousness adds layers of depth to the character and shows how nervous one can be before a hook-up.

However, I have to say there are several parts of the movie that I don't really like. First, the 20-minute chat room scene is REALLY unnecessary. The conversation is SO ordinary that it adds nothing to the movie. If you haven't watched the movie yet, I suggest you to skip that part because the movie works just fine with that scene. My other complaint is that the sex scene is almost awkward to watch. It's difficult to endure a one-shot intimate scene in which you only get to see the actors' face and chest. What's the point? Either cut it short or let the audience sees everything! Well, probably not the latter, as the sex is poorly simulated. I wonder if any of the actors gets a hard-on during the scene - it'd be pretty embarrassing!

The summary of the movie says the male lead Fede "has changed after the night", which I do not find to be the case. Not much growth is shown at the end of the movie, except that the audience catches him enjoying last night's memories, as if he has learnt something from it.

The biggest problem of the movie is that it doesn't really have a clear focus. It's not focusing on a romantic relationship, or a person's growth, or a really good sex. At the end of the movie, I don't really know what the movie wants to represent. The 20-minute dialogue is the only part that I find meaningful and can provoke thoughts on the life of a gay couple. Besides that, I fail to see how the movie works. It's still worth a watch, but only if you can endure a sex scene that's almost too awkward to watch.

This film won me over immediately, and put a smile on my face throughout. If you like Marco Berger movies, you will probably also like this one. Although this film is a bit more upbeat, there is more dialogue, and the Buenos Aires portrayed here is more affluent.

There is Argentinian vernacular sex slang to titillate. We are treated to excellent acting performances. The storyline is captivating and flows exactly at the correct pace. It's comedy is refreshing (as it's far different to the typical WeHo queen bitch fest). Gentle emotions and recognizable insecurities take centre stage and are properly elaborated upon. The film features some steamy erotica as well (all done in good taste).

It's a little gem of a feel good movie that puts the theme of a tender threesome between three men in a very original light.

Be warned, there are gaps of silence---but each carries its own story for the viewer. A great little film and no sex shown but satisfying all the same. The three actors are all sympathetic and likeable. And unlike the general theme "a 3-some" it has much more to offer. Life unfolds and friendships are born. Stick with it and you'll agreee