Mario

Mario is a 2018 Swiss drama film directed by Marcel Gisler which explores contemporary issues about love, sexuality, and professional sports. The film provides an empathetic yet raw depiction of a gay romance between two footballers in the ultra-masculine world of professional sports and the consequences they face.

Max Hubacher delivers an intense performance as the protagonist Mario Luthi, a talented young footballer striving to make his mark on the high stakes world of professional football. Co-starring Aaron Altaras, we see a sensitive representation of love's first bloom and young gay romance between him and Mario, surrounded by storms of homophobia and prejudice.

The film starts with Mario at the beginning of his journey to realize his dreams. He is a promising player for his club, Young Boys from the city of Bern, and is hopeful and excited about playing in the league championship. He then meets Leon Saldo, portrayed by Altaras, another young and talented aspiring footballer newly transferred from Germany. They both become roommates and rivals on the field. However, their relationship quickly transforms from friendship to something deeper and more intimate, introducing a new complexity to their lives.

At the heart of what follows is not only the passionate relationship between Mario and Leon, but also the mounting pressure they face as emerging footballers. There's an unspoken rule in football that one must not be openly gay, and this norm haunts their blossoming relationship. They soon realize that being in love with each other might jeopardize their football careers. This narrative is punctuated by the emotional turmoil experienced by both characters as they grapple with their love for each other and their professional commitments. The film incisively depicts an inherent internal and external conflict that affects not only their careers but their identities and self-confidence as well.

Hubacher and Altaras both deliver magnetic performances. Their chemistry is palpable, and they convincingly portray the development and depth of Mario and Leon's relationship. On the other hand, Jessy Moravec gives sincere performance as Jenny, a fellow football player who becomes a complicated third player in their lives.

Mario's energy is further catalyzed by the standout direction of Marcel Gisler. He delicately examines the world of football and masculine culture, capturing both the thrill of the sport and the pain of hiding one's true self. Gisler authentically portrays the struggle that the main characters go through, thereby encouraging the audience to empathize with them.

Moreover, the film skillfully incorporates important themes of personal freedom, self-identification, the harshness of public scrutiny, and the often cruel and narrow expectations of society. Under Gisler's firm hand, the story navigates through the high-paced world of football, revealing its stark contrast with the tender relationship between Mario and Leon. This contrast highlights the prejudices ingrained explicitly and implicitly in our societal constructs and invites the audience to question and reflect on them.

Shot in a realistic manner with naturalistic performances, "Mario" strikes a fine balance between a love story and a sports film. Its intimacy is its strength, and the romantic moments are captured with a gravity that gives depth to the relationship between Mario and Leon. Aesthetically, the film carefully uses the shadow and light of Swiss landscapes, the interplay of urban and rural settings presenting an almost mirror-like reflection of the personal and professional dualities their characters face.

Undergoing numerous film festivals, "Mario" received universal acclaim for its sincere portrayal of a taboo subject within a testosterone-fueled environment. It became a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ cinema, praised for tackling the unspoken subjects of homophobia in professional sports and the personal cost athletes potentially face when revealing their sexuality.

In conclusion, "Mario" is an emotional and thought-provoking film. It takes its viewers on a heartfelt journey through the minefield of emotions, societal pressures, and personal desires and depicts a touching and passionate love story deeply interweaved with the thrilling world of professional football. Its compelling narrative, striking performances, and poignant message truly leave a lasting impression on its audience.