Love, Laughter, and the Art of Letting Go

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Other Way Around (Volveréis)
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 54m
Director(s): Jonás Trueba
Writer(s): Jonás Trueba
Cast: Itsaso Arana, Vito Sanz
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Jonás Trueba’s THE OTHER WAY AROUND reimagines the conventional breakup story by turning it into a celebratory event that puzzles and enlightens the couple's circle of friends. This film is an insightful exploration of the layers of relationships that often remain hidden, flipping what you know about romantic comedies on its head.

In the world of THE OTHER WAY AROUND, Jonás Trueba gathers his regular team, Itsaso Arana and Vito Sanz, for a third cinematic outing, following their roles in THE AUGUST VIRGIN and YOU HAVE TO COME AND SEE IT. This latest feature sees them in a markedly different light, as their characters engage in more dynamic exchanges than ever before. This sharp contrast in their interactions lends a fresh vibrancy to the film, described by Trueba himself as navigating a cinematic crisis, a playful homage to the legendary Fellini’s 8½.

The creation of THE OTHER WAY AROUND came from the remnants of a scrapped project, which sparked a burst of creativity in Trueba, leading to a rapid yet thoughtful production process. As a core element, the repeated announcement of the couple's breakup acts as a narrative pivot, mirroring the evolving nature of relationships and echoing the thematic recurrence reminiscent of GROUNDHOG DAY.

The narrative is rich with nods to the golden age of cinema, cleverly interlacing these tributes within a contemporary romantic comedy framework. Arana's role as a director in the film introduces a reflective layer of meta-commentary, allowing insights into the creative and directorial processes and highlighting the interplay between life and art.

The reason for Ale and Alex's breakup is brilliant (and is particularly one of my favorite aspects of the film; I don’t want to ruin “why” for you). It sidesteps typical romantic comedy clichés like betrayal or external pressures and posits that sometimes, the true complexity of a relationship is best understood through separation. This approach challenges viewers to think beyond conventional narrative structures.

The narrative tension escalates as the film approaches the climactic breakup party, reflecting the protagonists’ mounting uncertainties. This buildup not only underscores the film's central theme of the unpredictability of human desires but also provides a deep dive into the characters' emotional landscapes. It is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see the outcome.

THE OTHER WAY AROUND represents an evolution in Trueba's filmmaking career, blending humor with exploring personal relationships. This film expands his cinematic filmography and reshapes the audience's expectations of what a romantic comedy can be. By portraying endings as opportunities for new beginnings, Trueba encourages viewers to reconsider our stories about love and relationships, providing entertainment and a moment for introspective reflection. Through this innovative style, Trueba solidifies his position as a voice in contemporary cinema, continually challenging and delighting his audience with each new project.

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[photo courtesy of LOS ILUSOS FILMS, LES FILMS DU WORSO, MEMENTO INTERNATIONAL, ARIZONA DISTRIBUTION, ELASTICA]

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