El amor menos pensado

El amor menos pensado, or An Unexpected Love, is an engaging and nuanced romantic comedy-drama that dabbles into familiar themes of love, separation, and the possibilities of new beginnings. The title itself, which translates into English as The Least Expected Love, provides a glimpse into the story's beautifully crafted narrative that explores the intricacies of relationships that often transcend societal norms.

Released in 2018, the film was directed by Juan Vera, a notable figure in Argentine cinema known for his knack for portraying societal and personal issues in an emotionally resonant manner. The movie stars two of Argentina's most feted actors - Ricardo Darín and Mercedes Morán, who displays their prowess by breathing life into their roles, making their characters deeply relatable.

Darín, an award-winning actor known for his stellar performances in internationally acclaimed films like "The Secret in Their Eyes" and "Truman", plays the role of Marcos - a man who finds himself at a crossroads after 25 years of marriage. Mercedes Morán, renowned for her roles in films such as "La Ciénaga" and "Neruda", stars as Ana, his wife, who similarly begins to question the life she's known for nearly three decades.

The movie follows the journey of Marcos and Ana, who have been married for a considerable time and have a grown-up son who has recently moved out for university. On the surface, they seem to have a perfect relationship until one day, they realize that their passion and mutual desire have ceased to exist. While they share a deep and enriching bond, they encounter a newfound feeling of emptiness, deciding it's time to be honest about what they want out of life.

The sudden departure of their son from their nest catalyzes a revelation that their lives, while comfortable and pleasant, lack the excitement and passion they both crave. Coming to terms with this reality, they make the brave yet heartbreaking decision to separate, initiating a series of comedic, dramatic, and intensely relatable scenarios that detail their foray into singledom after two and a half decades of matrimony.

Inspired by a series of true-life events, El amor menos pensado cleverly delves into aspects of identity, love, and self-transformation. The narrative does not follow the typical tropes of romantic comedies but instead offers a reflective journey of two individuals seeking personal fulfillment and the reinvention of their selves. It's a tale that underscores the bittersweet reality that sometimes, love might not be enough, that the concept of happiness might vary for different individuals, and that new beginnings might be scary yet ultimately rewarding.

Vera's skillful direction, paired with Darín and Morán's powerful performances, presents a fresh take on the concept of love and marriage in their later years. While primarily a romantic comedy, El amor menos pensado possesses a distinctly human core. It showcases the conflicting emotions, self-discoveries, and pursuit of identity that often accompany solitude.

The movie appraises the idea of love as it evolves, emphasizing that it can transform, sour, fade or rekindle. Containing equal measures of humour, empathy and poignancy, the film details the protagonists' separate journeys in their rediscovery of their identities. It underscores how, while some people might believe that love is not enough, the characters also show that it is never too late to reinvent oneself.

El amor menos pensado is a brilliant manifestation of a modern adult relationship, encapsulating the ebbs and flows associated with the long-term institution of marriage and the solace and liberation that individuality offers. Through the comedic trials and tribulations of Marcos and Ana, the film tenderly reveals a heartfelt tale of an unanticipated quest for love, identity, and purpose. The film beautifully portrays the complexities of intimate relationships, making it a must-watch for those seeking a thoughtful, well-crafted narrative intertwined with comedic undertones.