2 2

2 + 2 (Dos Mas Dos) is a 2012 Argentine comedy-drama film directed by Diego Kaplan and stars Carla Peterson, Adrian Suar, Julieta Diaz, Juan Minujin, Alfredo Casero. The film skillfully explores themes of love, marriage, commitment, and sexual desires, fuelled by a captivating storyline and layered character development.

The vibrant Carla Peterson and the compelling Adrian Suar play the lead characters Diego and Emilia, a centuries-old couple who led an apparently perfect life. Both are medical professionals; Diego is an obstetrician and Emilia is a talk show hostess. They share their lives with their two teenage children, and as a couple, they have drifted into the comfort zone of an established marriage. They, like many couples of their stature, have stopped questioning their relationship and their lifestyle, and have settled into the comforting habits of predictability.

Their best friends are Richard (played by Juan Minujin) and Betina (portrayed by Julieta Diaz), another long-term couple with an outgoing nature. Richard is a cosmetic surgeon who is open to new experiences and an advocate of a freethinking lifestyle, and Betina is effervescent, fiery, and romantic. They have a polarizing dynamic when compared to Diego and Emilia, something that becomes evident when they reveal they are practicing swingers.

The clandestine life of Richard and Betina takes Diego and Emilia by surprise. They have been living a polyamorous life for years without generating any suspicions amongst their friends. The concept of couples swapping partners and having relationships outside the boundaries of traditional marital norms is new to Diego and Emilia, and they react with mixed feelings of shock, denial, and intrigue.

The story takes a hilarious yet thought-provoking turn as Diego becomes fascinated by the idea of swinging while Emilia is initially repulsed. However, drawn by the potential excitement it promises, they decide to entertain the idea, stepping on to a slippery slope that probes them to question their own emotional and sexual limitations. The tension grows as the film charts the pair's foray into this new lifestyle, pushing the boundaries of love and friendship.

Throughout the film, Kaplan navigatively balances the drama and comedy. The film explores the hell and heaven of lust, love, and the human need for variety without losing its sense of humor or crossing into the realm of the offensive. One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to confront the audience with uncomfortable questions while maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere.

The director maintains the flow of comedy and drama in tandem, which helps keep the narrative engaging. The dialogue is sharp and smart, frequently highlighting the contradictions and hypocrisies that arise within relationships. The direction, screenplay, and performances all fit well into the overall motif of the film. The script features a mix of witty lines, peppered with engaging humor and uncensored dialogue, reflecting the modern-day relationship dynamics.

Carla Peterson and Adrian Suar give notable performances, aptly reflecting the dilemmas and apprehensions experienced by their characters. Julieta Diaz and Juan Minujin also deliver remarkable performances, embodying their characters' free-spirited yet complex personas with conviction.

The chemistry shared by the cast on screen is palpable, making the characters' interpersonal dynamics feel organic.

Cinematographically, 2 + 2 effortlessly combines vivid settings with well-structured shots, which amplifies the overall allure of the film. The aspirational representation of Buenos Aires provides a delightful backdrop to the movie, offering viewers an exciting and fascinating visual presentation.

2 + 2 (Dos Mas Dos) takes the audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions that self-consciously plays with the familiar loop of love, commitment, and desire. It's a provocative, sexy, and entertaining film that uncovers the changing aspects of modern relationships and the challenges couples face while trying to keep the spark alive in their love lives. Crammed with zesty humor and hearty performances, this film is a fun exploration of the maze of relationships and the quest for passion.