The Astronaut Lovers (2024) by Marco Berger: A Summer of Pretence and Discovery
- dailyentertainment95
- Aug 17
- 6 min read
Short Summary: Friendship Blurs Into Something More A charming romantic comedy, The Astronaut Lovers follows two childhood friends, openly gay Pedro and straight-identifying Maxi, who reunite during a summer vacation. Their bond intensifies when Maxi, aiming to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, proposes they fake a romantic relationship. What begins as a lighthearted ruse soon blurs the lines between friendship and genuine affection, forcing both men to navigate their desires and confront their true feelings.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22299436/
About movie: https://darkstarpics.com/astronaut-lovers
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-astronaut-lovers (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-astronaut-lovers (Canada)
Detailed Summary: A Game of Seduction
The film is a sun-soaked queer comedy set against the backdrop of a languid summer by the sea in Argentina.
The protagonist, Pedro, returns from living abroad in Spain for a summer vacation with his brother and friends. He is openly gay and comfortable with his sexuality.
He reconnects with his childhood friend, Maxi, a seemingly straight man who is still bitter about a recent breakup.
A playful rapport develops between them, with Maxi showing a curious and flirtatious interest in Pedro's sexuality. Their conversations, often filled with double-entendres and sexual innuendo, form the basis of their close bond.
The central conflict arises when Maxi, in a bid to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, suggests that he and Pedro pretend to be a couple. Pedro, who has long been infatuated with Maxi, agrees to the ruse.
As the deception continues, the lines between their playful role-playing and genuine feelings begin to blur. The film explores the "will they, won't they" dynamic as their fake relationship starts to feel very real, culminating in a journey of self-discovery for both characters.
Director's Vision: The Art of Homoerotic Tension
Exploring the In-Between: Marco Berger is renowned for his signature style of building homoerotic tension in mundane, everyday situations. With The Astronaut Lovers, he continues his exploration of the "in-between" spaces of sexuality, challenging the rigid labels of gay and straight.
A Lighter, More Upbeat Tone: Berger has described the film as a "mood change" from his previous, often more dramatic works. He aimed for a lighter, more comedic approach, creating a warm and upbeat film that is both playful and profound.
Dialogue as Foreplay: Berger uses dialogue and conversation as a primary tool for building intimacy and tension. The flirtatious banter and discussions about sexuality between Pedro and Maxi are central to the film's narrative, serving as a form of "wordplay as foreplay."
Focus on the Human Element: Rather than a political statement, Berger's vision is a deeply human one. He aims to tell a universal story about love, desire, and identity that transcends sexual orientation, showcasing the complexities of attraction in a way that is both tender and rebellious.
Themes: The Illusion of Identity and Fluidity
Fluidity of Sexuality: The film directly tackles the theme of sexual fluidity, questioning whether anyone is truly "straight" or "gay." Maxi's character arc challenges heteronormativity and explores the possibility of attraction that doesn't fit neatly into a rigid label.
The Intersection of Friendship and Desire: The movie masterfully blurs the line between platonic friendship and romantic desire. It delves into the messy, complicated, and beautiful experience of falling for a friend.
Performance and Authenticity: A core theme is the contrast between the "performance" of a relationship and true authenticity. The fake romance allows Pedro and Maxi to explore their feelings in a low-stakes environment, only to have the game become a path to self-discovery and genuine connection.
Breaking Down Societal Norms: The film subtly challenges societal expectations and the pressure to conform to specific sexual identities. The lack of overt conflict or "bad guys" allows the story to focus on the internal emotional journey of the protagonists.
Key success factors: Authentic Performances and a Relatable Premise
Believable Chemistry: The success of the film hinges on the natural and authentic chemistry between the two lead actors, Javier Orán and Lautaro Bettoni. Their convincing performances make the characters' emotional journey believable.
Engaging and Witty Screenplay: Marco Berger's witty and nuanced script provides the foundation for the film's charm. The dialogue feels real and serves as a crucial element in building the narrative.
Distinctive Directorial Style: Berger's signature style of building tension through lingering looks and subtle gestures, rather than explicit scenes, is a key draw for his fans and a defining factor in the film's appeal.
A Fresh Take on a Common Trope: The film takes the well-worn "will they, won't they" trope and infuses it with a modern queer sensibility, making it feel fresh and relevant to a new generation.
Awards and Nominations: Festival Recognition
While specific information is not available, the film has been a notable presence on the international festival circuit. It has received recognition for Best Performance at both the BAFICI Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema and the Guadalajara International Film Festival. It was also a nominee for the Martín Fierro Film Award for Best Script for Marco Berger.
Critics Reception: Charming and Emotionally Rich
The Queer Review: Critics praised the film as "an earnest drama about two men who embark on a pretend relationship that questions their views on sexuality."
Derek Winnert: The review describes the film as a "sweet" and "charming" volume that, while being a "very short story," is elevated by the appeal and skills of its lead actors who "play it very nicely, honestly and convincingly."
Overall Summary: The Astronaut Lovers has been well-received by critics, who commend its charming, low-key approach to a gay romance. They highlight its focus on emotional subtlety, the realistic chemistry between the leads, and Marco Berger's ability to create a delightful and engaging film that is both a departure from and a continuation of his signature style.
Reviews: Audiences Embrace the Romance
Eventive: Audiences at various film festivals have praised the film for its heartwarming and relatable story. Many describe it as a "must-watch" for those who appreciate queer romantic comedies.
Letterboxd & MUBI: User reviews often commend the film for its emotional depth and honest portrayal of sexual discovery. The consensus among viewers is that it's a sweet, sexy, and poignant film that resonates deeply.
Overall Summary: The film has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from audiences. Viewers appreciate its feel-good nature, the authentic performances, and its sensitive handling of a slow-burn romance, making it a favorite on the festival circuit.
Why to recommend movie: For a Refreshing and Authentic Romance
A different kind of LGBTQ+ story: It moves beyond coming-out narratives and tragic tropes, offering a refreshing, light-hearted, and hopeful story about love and self-discovery.
Masterful Homoeroticism: Marco Berger is a master of his craft. The film's suspenseful build-up of attraction and tension is a study in subtle, compelling filmmaking.
Relatable and Authentic Characters: The characters of Pedro and Maxi feel like real people navigating a messy but beautiful situation, making their journey incredibly relatable.
A Perfect Summer Watch: The film's beautiful beach setting and warm, feel-good atmosphere make it the perfect escape.
Movie Trend: The Low-Key Queer Romance
The film is a perfect example of the emerging trend of low-key queer romances. These films move away from high drama or tragedy, instead focusing on the quiet, intimate, and often humorous moments of falling in love. They prioritize authentic character development and realistic dialogue over sensationalism, providing a more grounded and relatable cinematic experience for LGBTQ+ audiences.
Social Trend: Questioning Labels and Fluidity
The film directly addresses the growing social trend of questioning rigid labels and embracing sexual fluidity. It reflects a generational shift where sexuality is viewed less as a fixed identity and more as a spectrum. The central conflict of the film is built on this very concept, resonating with a younger audience that is more comfortable with ambiguity and less tied to traditional definitions of orientation.
Final Verdict: A Charming and Heartfelt Gem
The Astronaut Lovers is a charming, witty, and emotionally rich film that stands as one of Marco Berger's most accessible works. By focusing on the subtle dance between friendship and desire, it delivers a powerful message about the fluidity of human connection. Its beautiful cinematography, authentic performances, and delightful screenplay make it a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies and a brilliant entry into the genre of low-key queer cinema.
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