Before We Forget
Juan Pablo Di Pace, Andrés Pepe Estrada
2025, 108 mins.
That’s definitely not a wrap
Here’s a love story that, while about two closeted gay men unsure of their bearings (but never “barings” in this modest depiction), know deep down in their hearts that they are hopelessly smitten but can’t find the words, courage or just “a gentle touch on the face”, to live their lives—fulfilled and happily ever after, opting instead for copious amounts of memories (in the mind, on film or with sketches) that fuel eternal longing of just what might have been.
Matias (younger, Santiago Madrussan boyishly naïve and an engaging dance partner; older, Di Pace almost pathetically trying to bring his unfulfilled autobiography to the big screen), readily goes through the stages of blushing infatuation, inability to express himself, then stoic acceptance until a wedding invitation—perhaps—allows a second go, 24 years later is the unwitting star. Alexander (younger, Oscar Morgan the pianistic Debussy aficionado—replete with unconsummated lips that deftly say “how about now?”; older, August Wittgenstein, wiser than his years, quietly manages to portray some hopeful glances that may well inspire the sequel)—much to his detriment then and now—is more enamoured with a life of privilege than recognizing himself as he really is.
Binding everything together is Paolo (camera-ready Tomás Kirzner then; Juan Cruz Marquez de la Sederma now), the more-than-patient producer of Matias’ masterpiece, even as every deadline is missed (What’s a producer to do who also knows that backstory?)
Anyone who has ever been unsure of who they really are, ought to take a peek and then decide for themselves whether to live their own lives or, instead, those that fit the expectations of others. JWR
Spark
Nicolas Giuricich
2025, 110 mins.
A most imaginative Ground Hog Gay
OK, so it’s your birthday and a special friend (the precocious Abigail Achirir as Shannon), decides to throw a Natale bash that first involves a scavenger hunt—especially interesting as it is designed for participants to meet strangers on their way to the fête!
Belle of this ball is Aaron (Theo Germaine in or out of clothes readily displays, innocence, understanding and determination as required). Meeting him out of the blue on the “trail” to the festivities is Trevor (a fine five-o’clock-shadow and tantalizing portrayal of “What about now?”, Dannell Leyva easily rocks the part of He Who Must Be Laid!—over and over again).
Aaron’s ever-patient, wine-pouring roomie comes in the street-smart form of Vico Ortiz playing will-she-or-might-she, Dani.
Giuricich (who also wrote the script) convincingly stirs all of these disparate characters into a logical whole, notable for its multiple excursions into fun and games, making viewers decide for themselves whether or not the repeated scavenger hunts are a knockoff or homage to Bill Murray’s 1993 classic.
Do take a look and decide for yourself. JWR
Hot Spring Shark Attack
Morihito Inoue
2025, 78 mins.
Good to the last, er “fin” ish
Seen now, on the 50th anniversary of Jaws, this take on sharks gone wild isn’t even laughable much less enjoyable in its absurdities.
For me, there was nothing at all scary, more cheering on the next victim rather than feeling horror or pity. And the actual shark looks nowhere near to being credible.
‘Nuff said. JWR