2021 * Not Rated * 1h 31m This is an indie gem from the Duplass brothers that came out during the early stages of the pandemic. I think, partly by necessity, there are only two actors, each pretty much confined to their living spaces. But it isn't due to Covid, it just happened that way. The film stars Mark Duplass and Natalie Morales who co-wrote the film. Morales did the directing and what a fine film she produced.
Adam (Duplass) has been gifted Spanish lessons for his birthday by his husband. The lessons are to be given via Zoom and are taught by Carino (Morales). Soon after the lessons begin, Adam's partner dies. So the lessons are put on hold for a bit. When they resume, it's like an awkward first date--they're both uncomfortable talking about themselves. Eventually, they begin opening up about their personal lives and a true friendship develops.
Adam's Spanish is pretty good right from the start--he earned it when he was a child. And at one point, Carino wants to improve his grammar, while he wants to learn more about her. There's a split second scene where she accidently turns on her camera to reveal some bruises on her face. Adam just can't let it go and he makes some assumptions about how she got the bruises.
The two actors did an amazing job and I was sucked in right from the beginning. You sort of know where the movie is heading, but it's such a joy to watch, you don't mind it a bit. After watching this fine film, I'm definitely going to search out more movies by the Duplass brothers.
4 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card), Tubi, and Plex, and to rent on Apple TV, Prime, YouTube, and other services.
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